Cjje 


0f 


rabstrtet, 


"  Give  Thyme  or  Parfley  wreath,  I  ask  no  bayes." 

THE  PROLOGUE. 


THE   WORKS   OF 


tttU 


IN     PROSE     AND     VERSE 


EDITED     BY 


JOHN   HARVARD   ELLIS 

61 


Uslfy 


^ 


Cijarlestoton 

ABRAM     E.     CUTTER 

1867 


• 


No.  / 


GENERAL 


Entered  according  to  Act  of  Congress  in  the  year  1867,  by 

ABRAM   E.    CUTTER, 
[n  the  Clerk's  Office  of  the  District  Court  of  the  District  of  Massachusetts. 


nnfc  jFtftg  (£optrs 


CAMBRIDGE: 

PRESS    OF   JOHN    WILSON    AND    SON. 


A 


f  Of  THE  ^y 

PREFACE.!  UNIVERSITY  ) 

^  * 


or 


HIS  volume  is  believed  to  contain  all  the  ex 
tant  works  of  ANNE  BRADSTREET.  Three 
editions  of  her  "  Poems"  have  been  printed. 
The  first  edition  appeared  in  London  in  1650, 
under  the  title  of  "The  Tenth  Mufe,  lately 
fprung  up  in  America ; "  a  neatly-printed  volume  in  small 
i6mo,  xiv  and  207  pages. 

The  second  edition  was  printed  in  Boston,  by  John 
Foster,  in  1678.  It  contained  the  additions  and  corrections 
of  the  author,  and  several  poems  found  amongst  her  papers 
after  her  death ;  together  with  some  verses  in  praise  of  her 
poems  by  President  Rogers,  of  Harvard  College,  and  "A 
Funeral  Elogy,"  upon  the  author,  by  the  Rev.  John  Norton, 
of  Hingham.  Like  the  first  edition,  it  is  a  i6mo ;  but  the 
page  and  type  are  larger.  The  second  edition  has  two 
hundred  and  fifty-five  pages,  preceded  by  fourteen  pages 
unnumbered.  Copies  of  the  titlepages  of  the  first  and 
second  editions,  as  exact  as  modern-antique  type  can  make 
them,  are  given  on  pages  79  and  81. 

The  third  edition,  in  crown  8vo,  xiv  and  233  pages,  was 
published  in  Boston  in  1758,  without  bearing  the  name  of 
its  publisher  or  printer.  It  had  the  following  titlepage  :  — 


SEVERAL 

POEMS 

Compiled  with  great  Variety  of  WIT  and  LEARN 
ING,  full  of  DELIGHT  ; 

Wherein  efpecially  is  contained,  a  compleat  Difcourfe  and 
Defcription  of 

x    ELEMENTS, 

^i       -^  S     CONSTITUTIONS, 

The   Four     <j    A(JES  of  MAN> 

SEASONS  of  the  Year. 

Together  with    an    exaft    EPITOME    of    the    three    firft 
MONARCHIES,    viz.    the 

ASS  TR  IAN,         R  O  MA  N  COMMON 
T  WEALTH,  from  its  begin- 


GRECIAN,    and       laft  KING. 
With  divers  other  pleafant  and  ferious  POEMS. 

By  a  GENTLEWOMAN  in  New-England. 

The  THIRD  EDITION,  corrected  by  the  Author, 
and  enlarged  by  an  Addition  of  fever al  other 
POEMS  found  amongjl  her  Papers  after  her 
Death. 

Re-printed  from  the  fecond  Edition,  in  the  Year 
M.DCC.LVIII. 

n 


PREFACE.  Vii 

Although  it  was  reprinted  from  the  second  edition,  there 
were  numerous  omissions  of  words,  changes  in  the  spelling, 
and  other  alterations  of  little  importance. 

In  the  present  edition  of  the  "Poems,"  the  spelling  and 
punctuation,  and  even  the  typographical  mistakes,  of  the 
second  edition  have  been  retained.  The  headings  to  the 
pages  are  new,  and  the  catch-words  have  been  omitted. 
The  paging  of  that  edition  is  preserved  in  brackets  in  the 
margin.  The  corrections  in  the  second  edition  were  exten 
sive.  The  spelling  was,  as  a  rule,  modernized ;  although 
some  words,  especially  proper  names,  have  an  older  or 
more  incorrect  form  of  spelling  in  that  than  in  the  first 
edition.  Grammatical  mistakes  were  corrected ;  capitals 
were  omitted  from  common  nouns  which  had  them  in  the 
first ;  the  punctuation  was  improved ;  and  a  great  many 
words,  enclosed  in  brackets  in  the  first  edition,  were  with 
out  them  in  the  second  edition.  But  no  rule  is  uniformly 
adhered  to  in  any  of  these  particulars.  There  is,  in  both 
editions,  as  Charles  Lamb's  old  friend  said  of  a  black-letter 
text  of  Chaucer,  "a  deal  of  very  indifferent  spelling."  A 
proper  name  is  sometimes,  on  the  same  page,  spelt  in  two 
different  ways.  I  have  marked  the  most  important  altera 
tions  in  foot-notes.  Mere  transpositions  of  words,  changes 
in  punctuation  and  in  the  spelling  of  words  other  than  proper 
names,  and  trifling  corrections,  not  materially  affecting  the 
sense  of  a  passage,  have  not  been  noted.  I  hope  that  I 
have  let  nothing  pass  which  would  have  been  of  interest  to 
any  reader. 

Some  of  these  alterations  may  have  been  made  by  the 
publishers,  after  the  author's  death.  In  order  to  have 
shown  all  the  changes,  it  would  have  been  necessary  to 


viii  PREFACE. 

have  presented  the  text  of  the  first  edition  entire.     There 
are  no  foot-notes  in  either  of  the  early  editions. 

The  miscellaneous  writings,  which,  under  the  titles  of 
"  Religious  Experiences  and  Occasional  Pieces "  and 
"Meditations,"  precede  the  "Poems"  in  this  volume,  are 
printed  from  a  small  manuscript  book,  which  belonged  to 
the  author,  and  which  has  been  kept,  since  her  death,  as  a 
precious  relic  by  her  descendants.  It  is  about  six  inches 
high  and  three  and  three-quarters  inches  broad.  The  cov 
ers  are  of  common  sheep-skin,  and  are  very  much  soiled  and 
worn.  The  remnants  of  two  small  brass  clasps  still  adhere 
to  them.  The  paper  is  yellow,  stained  with  water,  blotted 
with  ink,  and  bears  marks  of  having  been  much  read  and 
handled.  It  has  ninety-eight  pages,  the  first  forty-one 
of  which  are  taken  up  with  the  "  Meditations  Diuine  and 
morall,"  in  Mrs.  Bradstreet's  handwriting.  The  forty- 
second  page  is  blank ;  but,  from  the  forty-third  to  the  sixty- 
seventh  page  inclusive,  her  son  Simon  has  copied  in  the 
contents  of  another  manuscript  book  left  by  her,  which  is 
now  probably  lost.  Mrs.  Bradstreet's  handwriting  is  large 
and  distinct ;  while  that  of  her  son  is  very  small  and  delicate, 
though  clear,  and  marred  by  few  erasions  or  alterations. 
The  sixty-eighth  page  is  blank,  and  then  follows  a  Latin 
translation  of  the  first  four  "  Meditations  "  and  their  dedica 
tion,  by  her  great-grandson,  the  Rev.  Simon  Bradstreet,  of 
Marblehead,  Massachusetts.  This  covers  only  four  pages. 
Six  pages  have  been  at  some  time  cut  out  after  these.  The 
next  twenty-four  pages  are  blank  ;  and  on  the  two  sides  of 
the  last  leaf  there  are  some  verses  in  Mrs.  Bradstreet's 
handwriting,  beginning,  "As  weary  pilgrim,  now  at  rest." 
Several  leaves,  how  many  it  is  uncertain,  have  been  torn 


PREFACE.  ix 

out  at  the  end  of  the  book.  All  the  contents  of  this  book 
are  printed  in  this  volume  :  the  order,  however,  of  the  sep 
arate  parts  of  which  it  is  composed,  has  been  changed. 
The  portion  in  her  son's  handwriting,  and  the  verses  which 
I  have  mentioned  as  being  at  the  end  of  the  book,  being  in 
their  nature  biographical,  I  have  placed  first.  The  "Medi 
tations,"  and  the  fragment  of  their  translation  into  Latin  by 
her  great-grandson,  come  next. 

The  manuscript  has  been  closely  followed,  except  that 
abbreviations,  such  as  "&,"  "wth,"  "ye,"  "yV  and  some  of 
longer  words,  have  been  printed  in  full.  These  are  very 
common  in  the  portion  written  by  her  son,  who  probably 
tried  to  shorten  his  work  of  copying  as  much  as  possible. 
The  author  herself  rarely  uses  any  abbreviations.  Punctua-, 
tion  has  been  supplied  where  it  was  defective  ;  and  in  some 
of  the  poems,  whose  rhyme  required  it,  the  alternate  verses 
have  been  indented,  and  some  poems  have  been  broken  into 
stanzas.  The  manuscript  has  been  scribbled  over,  appar 
ently  by  a  child ;  and  a  few  corrections  have  been  made 
since  she  wrote,  in  ink  fresher  than  the  original :  these, 
of  course,  have  been  disregarded. 

With  these  exceptions,  the  reader  has  an  exact  copy  of 
the  manuscript.  A  fac-simile  of  the  first  leaf  of  the  volume 
may  be  found  between  pages  46  and  47. 

Extracts  from  the  manuscript,  with  some  appropriate 
remarks  on  the  author's  life  and  character,  were  published 
by  the  Rev.  William  I.  Budington,  D.D.,  for  many  years 
pastor  of  the  First  Church  in  Charlestown,  in  his  history  of 
that  church  ;  and  almost  the  whole  of  it  appeared  in 
a  series  of  articles,  under  the  title  of  ''*  The  Puritan 
Mother,"  contributed  by  the  same  gentleman  to  the  first 


X  PREFACE. 

volume  of  "  The  Congregational  Visiter,"  a  small  monthly 
magazine  published  in  Boston,  in  1844,  by  the  Massachu 
setts  Sabbath-School  Society.  Several  extracts  have  also 
been  published,  at  various  times,  in  newspapers,  by  Mr. 
Dean  Dudley,  who  has  written  some  very  interesting  pieces 
concerning  the  author  and  her  works,  and  who  is  known  as 
the  indefatigable  genealogist  of  the  Dudley  and  Bradstreet 
families.  A  good  notice  of  Mrs.  Bradstreet  is  contained  in 
Duyckinck's  "Cyclopaedia  of  American  Literature." 

The  contents  of  the  manuscript  book  are  now,  for  the 
first  time,  printed  entire.  For  the  use  of  it,  in  preparing 
this  volume  for  the  press,  and  also  for  copies  of  the  first 
three  editions  of  the  "Poems,"  all  of  which  are  now 
extremely  rare,  I  am  indebted  to  the  kindness  of  Mr. 
Samuel  Bradstreet,  of  Dorchester. 

The  engraving  of  Governor  Bradstreet,  in  this  volume, 
is  taken  from  a  plate  belonging  to  Mr.  S.  G.  Drake,  which 
he  was  so  good  as  to  allow  to  be  used  for  this  purpose. 

In  editing  Mrs.  Bradstreet's  works,  I  have  had  the 
benefit  of  the  advice  and  suggestions  of  several  of  my 
friends  ;  but  I  am  especially  obliged,  for  such  favors,  to  Dr. 
John  Appleton,  Assistant  Librarian  of  the  Massachusetts 
Historical  Society. 

JOHN   H.   ELLIS. 
CHARLESTOWN,  MASS., 
Jan.  31,  1867. 


,;h  from  a.  Paintinc"  in  the  Senate  Chamber  of  "file  State  House  !Ma 


INTRODUCTION. 


NNE  BRADSTREET,  distinguished  as  the 
earliest  poet  of  her  sex  in  America,  was 
the  daughter  of  Governor  Thomas  Dudley, 
and  the  wife  of  Governor  Simon  Bradstreet, 
two  of  the  principal  founders  of  the  Colony 
of  Massachusetts  Bay.  The  ancestry  of  that  branch  of  the 
Dudley  family  to  which  Mrs.  Bradstreet  belonged  is  now 
simply  a  matter  of  conjecture.  Many  attempts  have  been 
made  to  trace  it,  but  without  success.*  "There  is  a  tradi 
tion  among  the  descendants  of  Governor  Dudley,  in  the 
eldest  branch  of  the  family,"  says  Mr.  Moore,  "that  he 
was  descended  from  John  Dudley,  Duke  of  Northumber 
land,  who  was  beheaded  22  February,  1553. "f  Mrs. 
Bradstreet  seems  to  have  shared  this  belief,  if  we  may 
judge  from  the  following  verses  from  her  "  Elegy  upon  Sir 

*  "  The  Dudley  Genealogies  and  Family  Records."  By  Dean  Dudley. 
Boston  :  Published  by  the  Author.  1848.  N.  E.  Hist.  Gen.  Register,  Vol.  x. 
p.  133.  —  "The  Sutton-Dudleys  of  England,  and  the  Dudleys  of  Massachu 
setts."  By  George  Adlard.  New  York  :  1862.  —  "  The  Herald  and  Gene 
alogist,"  Vol.  ii.  London  :  1865.  pp.  409-426,  and  494-499. 

t  Lives  of  the  Governors  of  New  Plymouth  and  Massachusetts  Bay. 
By  Jacob  Bailey  Moore.  New  York  :  1846.  p.  273 


Xii  INTRODUCTION. 

Philip  Sidney,"  whose  mother  was  the  Lady  Mary,  eldest 
daughter  of  that  Duke  of  Northumberland  :  — 

"  Let  then,  none  dif-allow  of  thefe  my  ftraines, 
Which  have  the  felf-fame  blood  jet  in  my  veines." 

But  she   retracts  this   claim  to  relationship,  in  the  second 
edition  of  her  poems,  where  the  verses  appear  as  follows  :  — 

"  Then  let  none  difallow  of  thefe  my  ftraines 
Whilft Englifh  blood  yet  runs  within  my  veins."* 

Thomas  Dudley,  her  father,  was  born  at  Northampton, 
in  England,  in  the  year  1576  or  1577,  and  was  the  only  son 
of  Captain  Roger  Dudley,  who  was  killed  in  battle  about 
the  year  1586.  He  was  thus  left  an  orphan,  together  with 
a  sister,  concerning  whom,  as  well  as  his  mother,  nothing  is 
known.  At  a  school,  to  which  he  was  sent  by  a  charitable 
lady  of  his  native  town,  he  acquired  a  good  knowledge  of 
Latin.  But,  while  still  young,  he  was  taken  from  school, 
and  became  a  page  in  the  family  of  William  Lord  Compton, 
afterwards  Earl  of  Northampton.  He  was  subsequently 
a  clerk  of  a  kinsman  "Judge  Nichols,"  probably  Thomas 
Nicolls,  a  serjeant-at-law.  He  next  appears  at  the  head  of 
a  company  of  eighty  volunteers,  raised  in  and  about  North 
ampton,  and  forming  part  of  the  force  collected  by  order  of 
Queen  Elizabeth,  to  assist  Henry  IV.  of  France,  in  the  war 
against  Philip  II.  of  Spain.  He  is  said  to  have  been  at  the 
siege  of  Amiens  in  1597,  and  to  have  returned  home  to 
England  soon  after.  From  each  of  these  various  occupa 
tions,  of  page,  lawyer's  clerk,  and  soldier,  he  derived  some 
benefit,  —  courtesy  of  manners,  considerable  legal  skill  and 
acumen,  straightforwardness,  honesty,  and  courage.  He 
established  himself  at  Northampton,  and  married  "a  Gentle- 

*  See  pages  346,  note,  and  347. 


INTRODUCTION.  xiii 

woman  whofe  Extract  and  Eftate  were  Conliderable." 
Under  the  preaching  of  the  well-known  Puritan  ministers, 
Dodd  and  Hildersham,  and  others  of  less  note,  he  became 
a  Nonconformist,  and  ever  after  adhered  most  strictly  to 
the  views  which  he  thus  adopted. 

In  1616  Henry  de  Clinton,  Earl  of  Lincoln,  died,  his 
title  descending  to  his  son  Thomas.  The  latter  survived 
but  three  years  to  enjoy  his  honors,  and  left  to  his  son 
Theophilus,  a  young  man,  a  large  estate  heavily  encum 
bered  with  his  father's  debts.  In  this  emergency,  Dudley 
was  recommended  to  the  young  Earl  as  steward,  by  Lord 
Saye  and  Sele,  Lord  Compton,  and  others  who  had  satisfied 
themselves  of  his  worth  and  ability.  He  accordingly  took 
the  entire  charge  of  the  Earl's  large  estate,  and,  by  his  skil 
ful  management,  in  the  space  of  a  few  years  entirely  freed 
the  estate  from  the  debts  with  which  it  was  laden.  By 
many  important  services  which  he  rendered,  and  also  by 
his  fidelity  and  constancy  in  the  discharge  of  his  duties,  he 
greatly  endeared  himself  to  the  family.  For  nine  or  ten 
years,  he  continued  to  be  the  Earl's  steward ;  but,  after 
that,  growing  weary  of  his  laborious  position,  he  left  the 
Earl's  service,  and  removed  to  Boston,  in  Lincolnshire.  He 
there  formed  an  intimate  acquaintance  with  the  vicar  of  that 
town,  the  Rev.  John  Cotton,  who  was  to  be  his  companion 
at  Boston,  in  the  New  World.  As  his  services  were  again 
much  needed  by  the  Earl  of  Lincoln,  he  was  obliged  to 
return  to  his  family,  and  there  he  remained  most  of  the 
time,  until  he  left  the  country.* 

*  MATHER'S  MAGNALIA.  London:  1702.  Bk.  ii.  pp.  15-17.  —  Old  manu 
script  life,  printed  in  "  The  Sutton-Dudleys,"  pp.  24-38.  —  "Dudley  Gene 
alogies."  Hutchinson's  History  of  Massachusetts  Bay.  Boston:  1795.  Vol. 
i.  p.  21,  note  *.  —  "  Herald  and  Genealogist,"  Vol.  ii.  pp.  409-426;  Historic 

B 


XIV  INTRODUCTION. 

In  Isaac  Johnson's  will,  dated  March,  1629,  O.S.,  of  which 
Dudley  is  constituted  one  of  the  executors,  he  is  described 
as  of  Clipsham  in  the  county  of  Rutland ;  *  but  it  is  not 
known  how  long  he  lived  there.  Dudley's  first  child  was 
a  son,  Samuel,  born  in  1610. 

His  second  child  was  Anne,  the  subject  of  this  sketch. 
She  was  born  in  1612-13,  probably  at  Northampton,  f  Of 
her  youth  and  of  her  bringing  up,  we  know  but  little.  We 
can  infer,  however,  from  what  she  wrote  of  herself,  later  in 
life,  that  she  was  strictly  and  religiously  trained ;  while 
it  is  evident  from  her  poems,  that  she  had  read  and 
studied,  with  unusual  diligence,  for  one  of  her  age  and 
sex.  She  gives  the  following  account  of  her  early  religious 
experiences :  — 

"In  my  yovng  years,  about  6  or  7  as  I  take  it,  I  began  to  make 
confcience  of  my  waves,  and  what  I  knew  was  finfull,  as  lying,  dif- 
obedience  to  Parents,  &c.  I  avoided  it.  If  at  any  time  I  was  over 
taken  with  the  like  evills,  it  was  a  great  Trouble.  I  could  not  be 
at  reft  'till  by  prayer  I  had  confeft  it  vnto  God.  I  was  alfo  troubled 
at  the  neglect  of  Private  Dutyes,  tho  :  too  often  tardy  that  way.  I 
alfo  fovnd  much  comfort  in  reading  the  Scriptures,  efpecially  thofe 
places  I  thought  moft  concerned  my  Condition,  and  as  I  grew  to 
haue  more  vnderftanding,  fo  the  more  folace  I  took  in  them. 

"  In  a  long  fitt  of  iicknes  wch  I  had  on  my  bed  I  often  com- 
mvned  with  my  heart,  and  made  my  fupplication  to  the  moft 
High  who  fett  me  free  from  that  affliction. 

"  But  as  I  grew  vp  to  bee  about  14  or  15  I  fovnd  my  heart 
more  carnall  and  fitting  loofe  from  God,  vanity  and  the  follyes 
of  youth  take  hold  of  me. 

Peerage  of  England,  by  Sir  H.  Nicola's,  p.  289;  Mass.  Hist.  Soc.  Coll.,  4th 
series,  Vol.  viii.  p.  342. 

*  Mass.  Hist.  Soc.  Coll.,  3d  series,  Vol.  viii.  p.  245. 

t  See  page  391 ;  "  Dudley  Genealogies,"  p.  18;  "  Sutton-Dudleys,"  p.  97. 


INTRODUCTION.  XV 

"  About  1 6,  the  Lord  layd  his  hand  fore  upon  me  and  fmott  mee 
with  the  finall  pox.  When  I  was  in  my  affliction,  I  beibvght  the 
Lord,  and  confefled  my  Pride  and  Vanity  and  he  was  entreated  of 
me,  and  again  reftored  me.  But  I  rendered  not  to  him  according 
to  ye  benefit!  received. 

"  After  a  fhort  time  I  changed  my  condition  and  was  marryed, 
and  came  into  this  Covntry,  where  I  fovnd  a  new  world  and  new 
manners,  at  which  my  heart  rofe.  But  after  I  was  convinced  it 
was  the  way  of  God,  I  fubmitted  to  it  and  joined  to  the  church 
at  Bofton."  * 

In  her  poem,  "In  Honour  of  Du  Bartas,"  she  has  left 
a  very  pleasant  reminiscence  of  her  childhood,  in  these 
verses  :  — 

"  My  mufe  unto  a  Child  I  may  compare, 
Who  fees  the  riches  of  fome  famous  Fair, 
He  feeds  his  Eyes,  but  underftanding  lacks 
To  comprehend  the  worth  of  all  thofe  knacks : 
The  glittering  plate  and  Jewels  he  admires, 
The  Hats  and  Fans,  the  Plumes  and  Ladies  tires, 
And  thoufand  times  his  mazed  mind  doth  wifh 
Some  part  (at  leaft)  of  that  brave  wealth  was  his, 
But  feeing  empty  wifhes  nought  obtain, 
At  night  turns  to  his  Mothers  cot  again, 
And  tells  her  tales,  (his  full  heart  over  glad) 
Of  all  the  glorious  fights  his  Eyes  have  had : 
But  finds  too  foon  his  want  of  Eloquence, 
The  filly  pratler  fpeaks  no  word  of  fenfe ; 
But  feeing  utterance  fail  his  great  defires, 
Sits  down  in  filence,  deeply  he  admires."! 

Notwithstanding  the  gloom  which  over-conscientiousness 
threw  over  her  youth,  we  can  easily  imagine  the  pleasure 
with  which  she  perused  the  many  new  books  which  were 
then  appearing  in  such  unwonted  numbers,  and  the  zest 

*  See  pages  4  and  5.  t  See  page  354. 


INTRODUCTION. 


with  which  she  devoured  their  delicious  contents.  The 
quarter  of  a  century  preceding  the  departure  of  the  Massa 
chusetts  Company  for  New  England  was  one  of  the  most 
remarkable  in  the  history  of  English  literature.  Coming,  as 
it  did,  at  the  close  of  the  great  Elizabethan  Age,  the  more 
peaceful  reign  of  James  was  better  fitted  for  the  quiet 
and  considerate  study  and  cultivation  of  literature  than  the 
more  glorious  and  splendid,  though  more  warlike  and  dis 
turbed,  reign  of  the  "Virgin  Queen."  The  impulse  given 
by  the  great  minds  of  her  epoch  had  not  yet  died  out,  but 
had  transmitted  much  of  its  vigor  to  their  successors  of  the 
Jacoban  Age  ;  many  renowned  writers  of  the  one  living 
late  into  the  other.  Spenser  had  died,  near  the  close  of  the 
century,  leaving  his  great  poem  unfinished  ;  having  written 
enough,  however,  to  charm  posterity  ever  after,  and  to 
found  a  new  school  of  poetry.  His  patron,  the  accom 
plished  writer,  the  elegant  poet,  and  knightly  soldier,  Sir 
Philip  Sidney,  had  fallen,  some  fifteen  years  before,  on  the 
bloody  field  before  Zutphen.  One  year,  1616,  had  been 
rendered  famous,  by  the  death  of  two  of  the  most  brilliant 
names  in  the  world's  literature,  —  Shakespeare  and  Cervan 
tes  ;  one  in  the  prime  of  life,  and  the  other  at  threescore 
and  ten,  summoned  hence  within  ten  days  of  each  other. 
To  Don  Quixote  and  his  squire,  Mrs.  Bradstreet  may  have 
been  introduced  by  Shelton's  translation.  With  the  plays 
of  Shakespeare,  as  well  as  those  of  Ben  Jonson,  Beaumont 
and  Fletcher,  Middleton,  Webster,  Massinger,  and  the 
other  dramatists,  we  may  well  presume  that  she  was  not 
familiar,  and  that  she  rather  shunned  them,  as  irreligious. 
There  are  some  passages  in  her  "Poems,"  however,  which 
seem  as  if  they  must  have  been  suggested  by  a  reading  of 


INTRODUCTION. 


Shakespeare.  The  Puritans  were  bitter  enemies  of  the 
stage,  and  all  connected  with  it;  and  their  dislike  was 
reciprocated  most  heartily  by  the  playwrights  and  players. 
Mrs.  Lucy  Hutchinson,  speaking  of  the  treatment  of  the 
Puritans,  says,  — 

u  every  stage,  and  every  table,  and  every  puppet-play,  belched 
forth  profane  scoffs  upon  them,  the  drunkards  made  them  their 
songs,  and  all  fiddlers  and  mimics  learned  to  abuse  them,  as 
finding  it  the  most  gameful  way  of  fooling."  * 

In  1611,  the  common  version  of  the  Bible  was  published. 
We  have  already  seen  how  early  Mrs.  Bradstreet  began  to 
find  comfort  in  this  volume,  which  was  to  be  the  solace  of 
her  lonely  and  melancholy  hours,  for  the  rest  of  her  life. 
The  charming  essays  of  Montaigne,  with  their  varied  learn 
ing  and  keen  insight  into  human  nature,  had  been  "done 
into  Englifh"  by  John  Florio,  and  had  attracted  the  atten 
tion  of  the  immortal  dramatist  himself.  Burton  had  tried  in 
vain  to  drive  away  his  melancholy,  by  writing  its  "  Anat 
omy."  Chapman  had  given  to  the  world  his  grand  version 
of  Homer.  Sir  Thomas  North  had  translated  "  Plutarch's 
Lives"  in  a  manner  most  aptly  suited  to  the  easy  story 
telling  style  of  the  original  ;  and  his  book  was  to  be  "  a 
household  book,  for  the  whole  of  the  seventeenth  century."  f 
The  "silver-tongued"  Sylvester,  who  was  himself  the 
author  of  many  poems,  had  translated  the  works  of  the  fa 
vorite  French  poet,  the  "  divine  "  Du  Bartas,  of  whom  we 
shall  hear  more  farther  on.  The  poets  of  this  period  were 
numerous,  and  the  writings  of  many  of  them  are  even 
now  read.  Some  of  them  are  noted  for  their  sensuousness, 

*  Life  of  Col.  Hutchinson,  Bohn's  ed.  p.  82. 

t  Hooper's  Introduction  to  Chapman's  Homer's  Iliad,  p.  ix. 


Xviii  INTRODUCTION. 

and  for  their  delicious  descriptions  of  the  beautiful  in 
nature.  Following  upon  the  poets  more  distinctively  belong 
ing  to  the  Elizabethan  Age,  with  their  fancifulness,  their 
pretty,  tiresome  conceits,  their  quaint  analogies,  and  far 
fetched  similes,  the  poets  of  the  reign  of  James,  while  they 
retained  many  of  their  faults,  were  much  less  artificial. 
These  poets,  who  have  been  classified  as  pastoral,  satirical, 
theological,  metaphysical,  and  humorous,  indicate  by  their 
number,  and  by  the  excellence  of  many  of  their  writings, 
the  literary  spirit  of  the  age.  They  were  generally  anti- 
Puritans,  and  we  may  well  doubt  if  Mrs.  Bradstreet  could 
have  read  them  with  much  pleasure,  as  her  scruples  and 
belief  would  have  received  many  a  rude  shock  over  their 
pages.  Wither  and  Quarles,  however,  were  peculiarly 
Calvinistic ;  the  former  becoming  afterwards  one  of  Crom 
well's  major-generals,  and  the  latter  being  in  manner  and 
matter,  if  not  in  spirit,  a  Puritan.  Their  works  were 
extremely  popular  with  the  Puritans,  not  only  at  the  period 
of  which  we  are  now  speaking,  but  also  long  after. 
Quarles'  "Emblems,"  to  be  sure,  did  not  appear  in  print 
until  1635,  but  his  gloomy  poems  must  have  already  sad 
dened  the  heart  of  many  an  honest  Nonconformist.  Quarles 
appears  to  have  had  some  correspondence  with  the  New- 
England  men.  Josselyn,  in  his  account  of  his  visit  to  Boston 
in  1638,  speaks  of  "prefenting  my  refpecls  to  Mr.  Winthorfe 
the  Governour,  and  to  Mr.  Cotton,  the  Teacher  of  Bojlon 
Church,  to  whom  I  delivered  from  Mr.  Francis  Quarles  the 
poet,  the  Tranflation  of  the  16,  25,  51,  88,  113,  and  137. 
Pfalms  into  Englifh  Meeter  for  his  approbation."  * 

This  period,  so  prolific  in  versifiers,  was  not  without  its 

*  Josselyn's  "  Two  Voyages,"  p.  20. 


INTRODUCTION.  xix 

historians  and  antiquaries.  Speed,  Archbishop  Usher, 
the  learned  primate  of  Ireland,  Sir  Robert  Cotton,  and  Sir 
Henry  Spelman,  flourished  about  this  time.  Knolles  pub 
lished  his  history  of  the  Turks  in  1603,  to  whom  Johnson, 
in  one  of  his  "Ramblers"  (122),  has  awarded  the  first  place 
among  English  historians,  being  borne  out  in  his  judgment 
by  Hallam.*  The  illustrious  Camden's  "Brittannia"  and 
"Annales  Rerum  Anglicarum  regnante  Elizabetha"  had 
appeared  early  in  the  century,  and  the  learned  author  had 
been  long  numbered  with  the  dead.  There  was  also  the 
Latin  historian  and  poet  of  Scotland,  Buchanan,  who  had 
been  the  tutor  of  King  James.  Sir  Walter  Raleigh 
had  occupied  twelve  weary  years  of  imprisonment  in 
writing  his  "  History  of  the  World,"  published  in  1614,  the 
most  important  of  the  works  of  that  distinguished  soldier 
and  navigator.  Bacon,  the  great  philosopher,  the  able  his 
torian,  the  accomplished  orator,  who  combined  in  himself 
most  of  the  varied  powers  of  his  noted  contemporaries, 
had  been  degraded  from  the  exalted  post  of  Lord  Chan 
cellor.  Shorn  of  his  honors,  after  devoting  the  leisure 
which  his  retirement  afforded  to  his  favorite  studies,  he 
died  on  the  9th  of  April,  1626,  in  the  sixty-sixth  year  of 
his  age,  a  victim  of  the  science  he  loved  so  fondly. f 

A  recent  English  writer  has  remarked :  "  In  one  sense 
the  reign  of  James  is  the  most  religious  part  of  our  his 
tory ;  for  religion  was  then  fashionable.  The  forms  of 
state,  the  king's  speeches,  the  debates  in  parliament,  and 
the  current  literature,  were  filled  with  quotations  from 
scripture  and  quaint  allusions  to  sacred  things."  J  Super- 

*  Craik's  English  Literature.     New  York  :  1863.    Vol.  I.  p.  619. 

t  Life  pref.  to  "  Essays."    Boston  :  1856.     p.  27. 

J  Marsden's  "  Early  Puritans."     London  :   1860.    p.  382. 


or  THE 
{   UNIVERSITY  } 


XX  INTRODUCTION. 

ficial  as  the  current  of  real  piety  is  acknowledged  to  have 
been,  we  find,  m  addition  to  all  the  secular  books  above 
referred  to,  a  mass  of  sermons,  books  of  devotion,  religious 
tracts,  and  controversial  pamphlets.  Many  productions,  too, 
of  more  importance  and  of  greater  size  and  pretensions, 
were  the  results  of  deeper  delvings  in  theology  and  di 
vinity.  The  "  Ecclesiastical  Polity "  of  the  illustrious 
Hooker  had  been  in  part  published,  the  whole  work  com 
plete  not  appearing  until  1632,  the  author  himself  having 
died  at  the  beginning  of  the  century.  There  were  also, 
besides  Archbishop  Usher,  Andrews,  and  Donne,  the 
"humble  and  heavenly  minded"  Dr.  Richard  Sibbs,  whose 
sermons,  collected  under  the  title  of  "The  Saint's  Cordial," 
were  highly  prized  by  the  Puritans;  the  "Engliih  Seneca," 
Bishop  Hall,  a  thorough  Calvinist,  whose  "pious  Medita 
tions  are  still  a  household  volume  read  by  all  classes,  pub 
lished  in  all  forms."  *  One  reason  for  the  small  number 
of  strictly  sectarian,  Puritan,  or  Calvinistic  works  during 
this  period  was,  that  the  censorship  of  the  press,  the  right 
of  licensing  books,  was  almost  entirely  arrogated  to  himself 
by  the  untiring  enemy  of  the  Nonconformists,  Laud,  Bishop 
of  London,  whose  watchful  eye  few  heretical  writings 
could  escape.  Some  such,  however,  managed  to  satisfy 
some  of  the  more  liberal  censors,  and  thus  appeared  with 
the  "  cum  privilegio ; "  while  many  of  the  most  ultra  pam 
phlets  and  tracts  were  the  fruits  of  foreign  presses,  secretly 
introduced  into  the  country  without  the  form  of  a  legal 
entry  at  Stationers'  Hall.f 

*  Marsden's  "Early  Puritans,"  p.  393. 

t  Craik's  English  Literature.  New  York  :  1863.  —  Masson's  Life  of  Mil 
ton.  London:  1859.  Vol.  I.  ch.  vi.  —  Bohn's  Bibliographer's  Manual, 
£c.,  &c. 


INTRODUCTION. 


I  have  thus,  at  the  risk  of  trying  the  patience  of  the 
reader,  given  a  very  imperfect  summary  of  what  the  years 
immediately  preceding  and  including  those  in  which  our 
author  was  growing  up  produced  in  the  way  of  writers.  It 
must  not  be  forgotten  either,  that  it  was  in  the  early  part  of 
this  century  that  the  circulation  of  the  blood  was  discovered 
by  Dr.  Harvey,  and  logarithms  were  introduced  by  Na 
pier;  creating  new  eras  in  medicine  and  mathematics.  In 
such  an  age  of  literary  activity,  Mrs.  Bradstreet  passed  the 
first  eighteen  years  of  her  life.  With  literary  tastes  and  the 
advantages  which,  without  doubt,  she  enjoyed  at  the  Earl 
of  Lincoln's  castle  of  Sempringham,  she  must  have  felt, 
and,  at  the  same  time,  been  able  easily  to  satisfy,  a  craving 
for  poetical  and  historical  studies.  It  should  be  remem 
bered,  however,  that  she  was  only  eighteen  when  she  was 
called  to  leave  her  native  country,  with  its  manifold  attrac 
tions,  and  her  pleasant  home,  with  its  tender  associations,  to 
take  up  her  abode  in  a  wilderness.  Even  then  she  would 
be  exposed  to  all  the  cares  consequent  upon  her  position  as 
a  wife,  and  that,  too,  the  wife  of  a  busy  magistrate  who  was 
frequently  called  to  be  absent  from  home,  leaving  her  no 
solace  except  her  meditations  on  what  she  had  once  read  or 
experienced. 

At  the  early  age  of  sixteen,  she  was  married  to  Simon 
Bradstreet,  the  son  of  a  Nonconformist  minister  of  the  same 
name,  of  Lincolnshire.  Bradstreefs  father  was  the  son  of 
a  well-to-do  Suffolk  gentleman,  was  one  of  the  first  Fel 
lows  of  Emmanuel  College,  had  preached  at  Middleburgh, 
in  the  Netherlands,  and  was,  like  Dudley,  a  friend  of  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Cotton  and  Dr.  Preston.  Young  Bradstreet  was 
born  at  Horbling,  March,  1603,  and  was  educated  at  the 


Xxii  INTRODUCTION. 

grammar  school,  where  he  studied  until  the  death  of  his 
father,  when  he  was  fourteen  years  old,  made  it  necessary 
for  him  to  leave.  Two  or  three  years  after  this  he  was 
taken  into  the  family  of  the  Earl  of  Lincoln,  where  he  was 
under  the  care  of  Dudley.  He  remained  there,  until,  at  the 
suggestion  of  Dr.  Preston,  who  had  been  the  Earl's  tutor, 
he  was  sent  by  the  Earl  to  Emmanuel  College,  in  the  capacity 
of  governor  to  Lord  Rich,  son  of  the  Earl  of  Warwick.  As 
the  young  lord  gave  up  the  idea  of  acquiring  an  education 
at  the  University,  Bradstreet  continued  there  only  a  year ; 
having  had,  as  he  himself  wrote,  a  very  pleasant  but  un 
profitable  time,  in  the  society  of  the  Earl  of  Lincoln's 
brother,  and  of  other  companions.  Notwithstanding,  he 
took  his  bachelor's  degree  in  1620,  and  his  master's  four 
years  later.*  On  the  removal  of  Dudley  to  Boston,  Brad- 
street  succeeded  to  his  place  as  steward.  He  afterwards 
became  steward  of  the  Countess  of  Warwick,  and  was  in 
that  position  at  the  time  of  his  marriage,  f 

Under  Bancroft,  as  Archbishop  of  Canterbury,  the  Non 
conformists  had  suffered  severely,  many  of  the  ministers 
being  silenced  and  deprived  of  their  livings,  while  others 
were  driven  into  exile.  The  effect  of  this  harsh  treatment 
was  to  strengthen  the  sufferers  in  their  belief,  and  to  bind 
them  more  closely  together  by  the  common  tie  of  affliction. 
The  succession  of  the  austere  Abbot,  who  had  much  of  the 
Puritan  in  his  creed  and  manners,  gave  them  some  respite ; 
although  the  canons  requiring  the  due  observance  of  those 
forms  and  ceremonies  in  worship  to  which  the  Noncon 
formists  most  strongly  objected-,  were  as  rigidly  enforced  as 

*  Young's  Chronicles  of  Massachusetts.     Boston:   1846.     p.  125,  note. 
t  Mather's  Magnalia,  Bk.  ii.  p.  19. 


INTRODUCTION.  Xxiii 

ever  in  some  places.  Bishop  Williams,  the  Lord  Keeper, 
the  favorite  and  confidential  adviser  both  of  the  King  and 
of  Buckingham,  was  a  great  power  in  religious  affairs. 
He  was  inclined  to  be  tolerant  alike  of  Puritans  and  Roman 
ists,  and  it  was  only  those  breaches  of  the  canons  too 
flagrant  to  be  overlooked  which  provoked  him  to  harsh 
treatment.  On  the  death  of  James  and  the  accession  of 
Charles,  Williams  lost  the  power  which  he  had  up  to  that 
time  enjoyed  in  church  and  state,  and  retired  in  disgrace 
to  his  diocese  of  Lincoln.  Buckingham,  who  held  the 
same  place  in  the  affections  of  the  new  King  which  he  had 
gained  in  those  of  his  father,*  committed  to  Dr..  Laud,  his 
great  confidant,  then  Bishop  of  Bath  and  Wells,  and  sworn 
a  member  of  the  Privy  Council,  the  sole  presentation  of 
church  promotions  and  the  vacancies  which  should  happen. 
King  Charles,  after  the  assassination  of  Buckingham, 
continued  that  trust  in  the  same  hands,  infinitely  to  the 
benefit  and  honor  of  the  Church,  in  Clarendon's  opinion,  f 
but  greatly  to  the  sorrow  and  discomfort  of  the  Nonconform 
ists,  whose  bitter  opponent  Laud  had  been  from  the  very 
first.  Slowly  but  surely  this  intolerant  prelate  got  into  his 
hands  the  power  which  would  enable  him  to  indulge  his 
malevolent  feelings  towards  the  Puritans.  He  thus  did  all 
he  could  to  kindle  the  flame  which  was  to  break  out  before 
long  into  the  dreadful  fire  of  civil  war,  and  in  which  he  was 
to  lose  his  life.  Besides  the  Romanists,  whose  numbers 
cannot  be  estimated,  there  was  the  extreme  class  of  Puritans 
known  as  Separatists,  who  comprised  in  their  ranks  only  a 
trifling  proportion  of  the  population.  The  Established 

*  Clarendon's  History  of  the  Rebellion,  Bk.  i.  p.  48. 
t  Ibid.,  p.  145. 


INTRODUCTION. 


Church  of  England  was  divided  into  two  great  parties,  the 
Prelatical  or  Hierarchical,  headed  by  the  zealous  Laud,  and 
the  Nonconformist  or  Puritan.  This  latter  party  embraced 
at  once  the  severe  doctrines,  and  the  plain  and  simple 
forms,  inculcated  by  their  great  teacher,  Calvin.  They 
were  still  included  in  the  Church  ;  and  their  preachers  were 
estimated,  as  early  as  1603,  at  the  time  of  the  Hampton 
Court  Conference,  to  have  numbered  about  a  ninth  part  of 
the  whole  parish  clergy.  The  teachers  and  disciples  had 
both  largely  increased  in  numbers  during  the  score  of 
years  preceding  the  time  of  which  we  are  now  treating. 
What  at  first  had  been  a  mere  variance  about  church 
government  and  ritual  came  to  involve  important  points  of 
doctrine.  A  strife  arose  between  Calvinism  and  Arminian- 
ism,  the  Calvinistic  or  Nonconformist  party  growing  and 
strengthening  as  the  Arminian  or  Hierarchical  party  became 
more  hostile  and  vehement.  The  breach  constantly  widened, 
severity  on  the  one  side  being  met  by  persistence  and  a 
resolution  to  endure  on  the  other.* 

Such  was  the  state  of  religious  affairs  in  England,  when, 
at  a  meeting  of  the  Massachusetts  Company  on  the  28th 
of  July,  1629,  Mr.  Cradock,  the  Governor,  made  the  bold 
proposition  to  transfer  the  government  and  patent  of 
the  Plantation  to  America,  f  After  debating  the  question 
thoroughly  and  weighing  the  arguments  which  could  be 
adduced  on  both  sides,  legal  advice  was  taken,  and  they  at 
once  commenced  preparing  to  transport  themselves  and 
their  families  to  America.  Deplorable  as  was  then  the 
condition  of  religious  matters  f  that  of  affairs  of  state  was 

*  Masson's  Milton,  Vol.  i.  ch.  v. 

t  Massachusetts  Colony  Records,  Vol.  i.  p.  49. 


INTRODUCTION.  XXV 

equally  unpromising,  and  boded  ill  for  the  future.  In  the 
first  four  years  of  his  reign,  Charles  had  summoned  three 
Parliaments,  which  he  had  speedily  dissolved,  because  they 
so  scantily  supplied  him  with  the  money  which  he  demanded, 
but  preferred  rather  to  occupy  themselves  with  the  rehearsal 
of  their  wrongs,  which  they  finally  erribodied  in  the  Petition 
of  Right.  Once  more  only  after  that  did  the  Parliament 
meet,  (in  January,  1629,)  to  be  then  abruptly  dissolved, 
and  to  remain  in  abeyance  for  nearly  twelve  years. 

The  position  of  those  who  proposed  to  go  over  to 
America  was  more  disagreeable  than  dangerous.  Their 
peril,  if  any,  was  prospective,  not  present.  In  this  respect 
their  case  was  very  unlike  that  of  the  Separatists  who  colo 
nized  Plymouth.  The  Massachusetts  men  professed  many 
years  later  that  "  our  libertie  to  walke  in  the  faith  of  the 
gofpell  with  all  good  confcience,  according  to  the  order  of 
the  gofpell,  .  .  .  was  the  caufe  of  our  tranfporting  our- 
felves  with  our  wives,  little  ones,  and  our  fubftance,  from 
that  pleafant  land  over  the  Atlantick  ocean  into  the  vail 
wildernefs."  *  But  it  is  evident  from  the  character  of  the 
first  colonists,  and  the  nature  of  their  public  acts,  that  they 
had  a  great  politico-religious  scheme  to  carry  out.  They 
came  here  to  form  a  state  which  should  be  governed  accord 
ing  to  their  own  peculiar  religious  ideas ;  not  solely  to  seek 
an  asylum  from  oppression. 

On  the  26th  of  August,  1629,  Dudley,  with  eleven  others, 
signed  an  agreement  at  Cambridge,  whereby  they  pledged 
themselves  to  remove  with  their  families  to  New  England 
by  the  first  of  the  next  March,  provided  the  whole  govern 
ment,  together  with  the  patent,  should  be  legally  transferred 

*  Hutchinson's  Collection,  p.  326. 


XXVI  INTRODUCTION. 

before  the  last  of  September,  to  remain  with  such  plan 
tation.  *  Although  Dudley  had  been,  as  early  as  1627, 
interested  in  the  proposition  to  plant  a  colony  for  the  propa 
gation  of  the  gospel  in  New  England,  and  had  been  active 
in  the  measures  which  preceded  the  departure  of  the  Com 
pany  itself,  f  yet  he  does  not  appear  by  the  records  to  have 
had  any  connection  with  the  Company  until  the  i5th  of  Oc 
tober,  1629.  On  that  day,  he  and  Winthrop  were,  for  the 
first  time,  present  at  a  meeting.  J  On  the  2Oth  of  the  same 
month,  Dudley  was  chosen  an  Assistant;  and,  on  the 
i8th  of  the  following  March,  Bradstreet  was  elected  to  the 
same  office,  in  place  of  Mr.  Thomas  Goffe.  §  From  that 
time,  they  devoted  their  lives  to  the  interests  of  the  Com 
pany,  holding  the  various  high  offices  in  the  gift  of  their 
associates  and  fellow-colonists.  They  were  the  deposi 
taries  of  the  most  important  trusts,  and  had  at  times 
committed  to  them  the  conduct  of  business  of  vital  con 
sequence  to  the  Colony.  A  thorough  history  of  the  lives 
of  these  two  men  would  embrace  the  history  of  Massachu 
setts,  if  not  of  all  New  England,  down  to  the  close  of  the 
seventeenth  century.  Dudley  was  soon  elected  to  the  re 
sponsible  position  of  "undertaker,"  —  that  is,  to  be  one  of 
those  having  "the  sole  managinge  of  the  ioynt  stock,  wth 
all  things  incydent  thervnto,  for  the  space  of  7  yeares."  || 
At  a  Court  of  Assistants  held  aboard  the  "Arbella" 
on  the  23d  of  March  he  was  chosen  Deputy-Governor, 
in  place  of  Mr.  John  Humphrey,  who  was  to  stay 
behind  in  England.  1  It  would  seem  as  if,  before  leav- 

*  Hutchinson's  Collections,  pp.  25,  26. 

f  Dudley's  Letter  in  Young's  Chronicles  of  Massachusetts,  pp.  309-10. 

%  Mass.  Colony  Records,  Vol.  i.  p.  54. 

§  Ibid.,  p.  69.  ||  Ibid.,  p.  65.  1  Ibid.,  p.  70. 


INTRODUCTION.  XXvii 

ing  England,  Dudley  had  visited  Winthrop  at  his  house 
at  Groton,  in  Suffolk.  The  latter,  writing  from  London 
to  his  wife  on  the  5th  of  February,  says  in  a  postscript, 
"  Lett  Mr  Dudleys  thinges  be  sent  up  next  week."  *  While 
Winthrop  was  waiting  for  the  arrival  of  the  ships  at  South 
ampton,  in  a  letter  to  his  son  John  he  writes,  "Mr  Dudlye 
was  gone  to  the  Wight  before  we  came."  f  « 

On  Monday,  the  2pth  of  March,  the  little  band  of  colo 
nists  embarked  in  their  four  small  vessels,  the  "Arbella," 
"Talbot,"  "Ambrose,"  and  "Jewell."  Most  of  the  promi 
nent  people  were  on  the  "Arbella."  Among  them  were 
Mr.  Isaac  Johnson  and  his  wife,  the  Lady  Arbella,  sister  of 
the  Earl  of  Lincoln,  in  whose  honor  the  name  of  the  vessel 
had  been  changed  from  that  of  "  Eagle."  There,  too,  was 
the  Governor,  John  Winthrop,  whom  Dudley  describes  as  a 
man  "well  known  in  his  own  country,  and  well  approved 
here  for  his  piety,  liberality,  wisdom,  and  gravity, "  J  and 
others  whose  names  are  familiar  to  the  readers  of  our  his 
tory.  With  them,  we  have  no  doubt,  were  Mrs.  Bradstreet 
and  her  nearest  relations,  her  father,  mother,  and  husband.  § 
On  the  same  day  they  weighed  anchor,  and  sailed  down  the 
English  Channel ;  but,  on  account  of  the  adverse  winds  by 
which  they  were  detained,  they  put  into  the  port  of  Yar 
mouth,  a  small  place  on  the  Isle  of  Wight.  From  this  place 
they  addressed  their  affectionate  and  touching  farewell  to 
their  "Brethren  in  and  of  the  Church  of  England,"  of  which 
Dudley  was  one  of  the  signers.  Charity  prompts  the  sug- 

*  Life  and  Letters  of  John  Winthrop.  By  R.  C.  Winthrop.  Boston  : 
1864.  Vol.  i.  p.  373.  f  Ibid.,  p.  386. 

I  Dudley's  Letter  in  Young's  Chronicles  of  Massachusetts,  p.  310. 

§  This  is  Mr.  Savage's  opinion.  Winthrop's  History  of  New  England. 
Boston  :  1853.  Vol.  i.  p.  12,  note  3. 


XXviii  INTRODUCTION. 

gestion  that  they  insensibly  merged  their  sorrow  at  leaving 
England  in  that  of  leaving  the  "  Church."  The  genuine 
ness  of  their  affection  for  the  latter  was  too  clearly  shown  by 
their  conduct  on  arriving  in  New  England ;  for  "  the  very 
first  church  planted  by  them  was  independent  in  all  its 
forms,  and  repudiated  every  connection  with  Episcopacy  or 
a  liturgy."*  On  the  8th  of  April,  the  vessels  set  sail.  Two 
days  before  the  ladies  had  gone  ashore  to  refresh  them 
selves ;  but,  from  that  day  until  the  i2th  of  the  following 
June,  they  did  not  again  set  foot  on  dry  land ;  and  then  it 
was  to  tread  the  soil  of  the  New  World.  After  a  stormy 
voyage,  with  much  cold  and  rainy  weather,  the  monotony 
being  alleviated  by  preaching,  singing,  fasts,  and  thanks 
givings,  on  the  seventy-second  day  passed  aboard  ship  the 
sea-worn  voyagers  came  in  sight  of  the  rocky  but  welcome 
shores  of  Mount  Desert.  A  modern  pleasure-seeker  has 
spoken  in  the  following  glowing  and  perhaps  rather 
exaggerated  terms  of  the  appearance  of  this  picturesque 
spot  from  the  sea  :  "  It  is  difficult  to  conceive  of  any  finer 
combination  of  land  and  water  than  this  view.  .  .  .  Cer 
tainly  only  in  the  tropics  can  it  be  excelled,  only  in  the 
gorgeous  islands  of  the  Indian  and  Pacific  Oceans.  On 
the  coast  of  America  it  has  no  rival,  except,  perhaps,  at 
the  Bay  of  Rio  Janeiro."  f  What  an  enchanting  sight  it 
must  have  been  to  those  who  had  gazed  on  the  blank  sur 
face  of  the  broad  sea  so  long  !  "  We  had  now  fair  sunshine 
weather,  and  so  pleasant  a  sweet  air  as  did  much  refresh 
us,  and  there  came  a  smell  off  the  shore  like  the  smell  of 

*  Story's  Commentaries  on  the  Constitution,  Vol.  i.  §  64. 
t  A  Summer  Cruise  on  the  Coast  of  New  England.     By  Robert  Carter. 
Boston  :   1865.    p.  252. 


INTRODUCTION. 


a  garden,"  writes  Winthrop.*  The  more  substantial  bless 
ings  of  the  main  land  rejoiced  the  hearts  of  the  rest  of  the 
party  on  the  following  Saturday,  I2th  June,  who,  going 
ashore  at  Salem,  "  supped  with  a  good  venison  pasty  and 
good  beer."f  Some,  wandering  along  the  shore,  feasted  on 
the  wild  strawberries  which  grew  there  in  abundance.  But 
at  night,  when  it  became  time  to  return  to  the  ship, 
Winthrop  remarks  that  "some  of  the  women  stayed  behind," 
doubtless  very  reasonably  cautious  about  again  trusting 
themselves  to  the  floating  prison  in  which  they  had  been  so 
long  pent  up.  They  did  not,  like  the  wretched  settlers  of 
Plymouth,  arrive  in  a  cold  and  cheerless  season  of  the  year, 
to  perish  miserably  in  the  ice  and  snow ;  but  the  green 
hills,  clad  in  the  rich  verdure  of  opening  summer,  smiled 
a  genial  welcome  to  our  weary  voyagers,  their  beauty 
heightened  by  that  indescribable  charm  which  any  land  has 
for  the  sea-tossed  adventurer.  Higginson,  who  arrived 
about  a  year  before,  speaks  of  Ten-pound  "  island,  whither 
four  of  our  men  with  a  boat  went,  and  brought  back  again 
ripe  strawberries  and  gooseberries,  and  sweet  single  roses. 
Thus  God,"  he  continues,  "  was  merciful  to  us  in  giving  us 
a  taste  and  smell  of  the  sweet  fruit  as  an  earnest  of  his 
bountiful  goodness  to  welcome  us  at  our  first  arrival."  J 

But  the  attractions  of  the  scene  to  Winthrop  and  his 
company  must  have  been  more  than  offset  by  the  melan 
choly  condition  in  which  they  found  the  little  settlement. 
They  could  have  had  little  time  to  consider  the  beauties 
of  nature,  amid  their  own  cares  and  the  misery  around 

*  Winthrop's  New  England,  Vol.  i.  p  23,  and  note  i. 

t  Ibid.,  p.  26. 

J  Young's  Chronicles  of  Massachusetts,  p.  234. 


XXX  INTRODUCTION. 

them.  John  Endicott  had  been  sent  over  by  the  Patentees 
of  the  Massachusetts  territory.  He  reached  Salem  in  Sep 
tember,  1628,  where  he  established  a  post,  his  own  men 
and  those  whom  he  found  there  making,  in  all,  a  company 
of  not  much  more  than  fifty  or  sixty  persons.*  The  Rev. 
Mr.  Higginson  followed  the  next  year  with  two  hundred 
more  colonists,  finding  with  Endicott  then  about  one 
hundred.  Of  these,  two  hundred  settled  at  Salem,  and 
the  rest  established  themselves  at  Charlestown  with  the 
intention  of  founding  a  town  there.  |  Dudley,  in  his  letter 
to  the  Countess  of  Lincoln,  says  "We  found  the  Colony  in  a 
sad  and  unexpected  condition,  above  eighty  of  them  being 
dead  the  winter  before  ;  and  many  of  those  alive  weak 
and  sick ;  all  the  corn  and  bread  amongst  them  all  hardly 
sufficient  to  feed  them  a  fortnight,  insomuch  that  the  re 
mainder  of  a  hundred  and  eighty  servants  we  had  the 
two  years  before  sent  over,  coming  to  us  for  victuals  to 
sustain  them,  we  found  ourselves  wholly  unable  to  feed 
them,  by  reason  that  the  provisions  shipped  for  them  were 
taken  out  of  the  ship  they  were  put  in,  and  they  who 
were  trusted  to  ship  them  in  another  failed  us  and  left  them 
behind ;  whereupon  necessity  enforced  us,  to  our  extreme 
loss,  to  give  them  all  liberty,  who  had  cost  us  about  £16 
or  £20  a  person,  furnishing  and  sending  over."  J 

As  Salem  was  not  to  their  taste,  after  exploring  the 
Charles  and  Mystic  Rivers,  they  unshipped  their  goods  at 
Salem  into  other  vessels,  and  brought  them  in  July  to 
Charlestown.  They  made  a  settlement  there  to  the  number 
of  fifteen  hundred  people,  §  Dudley  and  Bradstreet,  per- 

*  Young's  Chronicles  of  Massachusetts,  p.  13. 

t  Ibid.,  p.  259.  \  Ibid.,  p.  311-12.  §  Ibid.,  p.  378. 


INTRODUCTION.  XXxi 

haps  with  their  families,  being  among  them.  "The  Gov 
ernor  and  several  of  the  Patentees  dwelt  in  the  great 
house,  which  was  last  year  built  in  this  town  by  Mr. 
Graves  and  the  rest  of  their  servants.  The  multitude  set 
up  cottages,  booths  and  tents  about  the  Town  Hill."  * 
From  the  sad  state  of  things  above  described,  it  is  easy  to 
see  that  the  new  comers  had  to  give  rather  than  receive 
assistance  from  those  whom  they  found  already  at  Charles- 
town.  On  Friday,  July  30,  Winthrop,  Dudley,  Johnson, 
and  Wilson  entered  into  a  church  covenant,  which  was 
signed  two  days  after  by  Increase  Now  ell  and  four  others, 
—  Sharpe,  Bradstreet,  Gager,  and  Colborne;f  the  sub 
scribers  soon  numbering  sixty-four  men  and  half  as  many 
women.  J  The  next  on  the  list  are  William  Aspinwall  and 
Robert  Harding,  and  then  follow  the  names  of  "Dorothy 
Dudley  ye  wife  of  Tho  :  Dudley"  and  "Anne  Bradftreete  ye 
wife  of  Simon  Bradftreete."  §  Johnson  says,  in  his  "Won 
der-working  Providence,"  ||  that,  after  the  arrival  of  the  com 
pany  at  Salem,  "  the  Lady  Arrabella  and  fome  other  godly 
Women  aboad  at  Salem ,  but  their  Husbands  continued  at 
Charles  Town,  both  for  the  fettling  the  civill  Government 
and  gathering  another  Church  of  Christ" 

It  may  be  that  Mrs.  Bradstreet  was  one  of  those  who 
remained  at  Salem,  and  that  she  was  not  in  Charlestown 
when  the  covenant  was  first  signed ;  but,  as  her  name  is 

*  Charlestown  Records  in  Young's  Chronicles  of  Massachusetts,  p.  378. 

t  Prince's  Chronology.  Boston  :  1826.  p.  311. — Bradford's  History  o  f 
Plymouth  Plantation.  Boston  :  1856.  p.  278.  —Bradford's  Letter  Book,  in 
Mass.  Hist.  Soc.  Coll.,  Vol.  iii.  p.  76.  —  Budington's  History  of  the  First 
Church  in  Charlestown,  pp.  13-15.  t  Budington,  p.  15. 

§  MS.  Records  of  the  First  Church  in  Boston. 

11  London  :   1654.  p.  37. 


XXxii  INTRODUCTION. 

only  the  thirteenth  on  the  list,  she  must  have  joined  her 
husband  in  Charlestown  soon  after. 

"Many  people  arrived  sick  of  the  scurvy,  which  also 
increased  much  after  their  arrival,  for  want  of  houses,  and 
by  reason  of  wet  lodging  in  their  cottages,  &c.  Other 
distempers  also  prevailed ;  and,  although  [the]  people  were 
generally  very  loving  and  pitiful,  yet  the  sickness  did  so 
prevail,  that  the  whole  were  not  able  to  tend  the  sick,  as 
they  should  be  tended ;  upon  which  many  perished  and  died 
and  were  buried  about  the  Town  Hill."  *  In  addition  to 
all  this  trouble,  their  provisions  ran  short,  and,  as  it  was  too 
late  in  the  season  to  think  of  raising  any  more,  they  were 
obliged  to  despatch  a  ship  to  Ireland  to  buy  some.  The 
hot  weather,  the  want  of  running  water,  and  the  general 
sickness,  which  they  attributed  to  the  situation,  made  them 
discontented.  Although  they  had  intended  to  remain  and 
found  a  town,  they  moved  away,  scattering  about  the  neigh 
borhood,  the  majority  of  them,  including  the  Governor, 
Deputy-Governor,  and  all  the  Assistants  except  Mr.  Nowell, 
going  across  the  river  to  Boston,  at  the  invitation  of  Mr. 
Blaxton,  who  had  until  then  been  its  only  white  inhabitant,  f 

They  did  not  remain  long  in  Boston,  as  they  were 
apprehensive  that  the  Indians  would  attack  them,  now  that 
they  were  dispersed  and  so  much  reduced  by  sickness ;  but 
looked  about  for  a  suitable  situation  for  a  fortified  town,  and 
in  December,  1630,  decided  upon  the  spot  which  was  after 
wards  called  Cambridge. t  Fortunately,  the  winter  of  1630 
was  mild,  §  or  their  suffering  would  have  been  intense.  As 

*  Young's  Chronicles  of  Massachusetts,  pp.  378-9. 
t  Ibid.,  pp.  379-81.      Budington,  p.  18. 
%  Winthrop's  New  England,  Vol.  i.  p.  39. 
§  Wood's  "New-England's  Profpeft,"  p.  5. 


INTRODUCTION.  XXxiii 

it  was,  it  is  not  hard  to  realize  how  wretchedly  the  poorer 
portion  must  have  fared,  when  we  look  at  the  picture  which 
Dudley,  one  of  the  richest  of  the  party,  writing  nine 
months  after  their  arrival,  so  vividly  presents  to  us  of  the 
condition  of  himself  and  his  family.  He  says  that  he 
writes  "  rudely,  having  yet  no  table,  nor  other  room  to  write 
in  than  by  the  fireside  upon  my  knee,  in  this  sharp  winter ; 
to  which  my  family  must  have  leave  to  resort,  though  they 
break  good  manners,  and  make  me  many  times  forget 
what  I  would  say,  and  say  what  I  would  not."*  The  new 
settlement  at  Cambridge  was  begun  in  the  spring  of  the  next 
year ;  and  it  was  the  intention  of  the  settlers  to  make  this 
place,  which  they  called  Newtown,  the  principal  town  of 
the  Colony.  The  Governor,  Deputy-Governor,  and  Brad- 
street  were  among  those  who  moved  out  and  established 
themselves  there.  The  town  was  laid  out  in  squares,  the 
streets  intersecting  each  other  at  right  angles.  Dudley's 
house  stood  on  the  west  side  of  Water  Street,  near  its 
southern  termination  at  Marsh  Lane,  at  the  corner  of  the 
present  Dunster  and  South  Streets.  Bradstreet's  was  at 
the  corner  of  "  Brayntree  "  and  Wood  Streets,  where  the 
University  Bookstore  of  Messrs.  Sever  &  Francis  now  is, 
on  Harvard  Square,  at  the  corner  of  Brighton  Street.  Dud 
ley's  lot  was  half  an  acre  in  size,  and  Bradstreet's  measured 
"  aboute  one  rood."  f 

Governor  Winthrop  decided  not  to  remain  at  Newtown, 

*  Dudley's  Letter  to  the  Countess  of  Lincoln,  in  Young's  Chronicles  of 
Massachusetts,  p.  305.  This  letter  is  the  most  vivid  and  authentic  narra 
tive  of  the  labor  and  sufferings  attendant  on  the  planting  of  the  Colony. 

t  "The  Regeftere  Booke  of  the  Lands  and  Houfes  in  the  Newtowne. 
1635."  MS.  pp.  i  and  27. —  Holmes'  History  of  Cambridge.  Mass.  Hist 
Soc.  Coll.,  Vol.  vii.  pp.  7-8. 


XXXiv  INTRODUCTION. 

and  in  the  autumn  took  down  the  frame  of  his  house,  and 
moved  it  to  Boston.  This  caused  much  dissatisfaction,  as 
many  thought  that  the  prospects  of  the  town  would  be 
thereby  injured.  Dudley  was  especially  displeased,  and 
followed  up  this  and  other  charges  which  he  had  against 
Winthrop,  so  as  to  produce  a  temporary  alienation  between 
them.  The  matter  was  afterwards  amicably  settled,  hav 
ing  been  referred  to  a  conference  of  ministers ;  *  and  the 
town  continued  to  grow,  notwithstanding  the  loss  of  the 
Governor.  In  August,  1632,  it  was  largely  increased  by 
the  arrival  of  those  who  had  composed  the  congregation  of 
the  Rev.  Thomas  Hooker  at  Chelmsford,  county  of  Essex, 
England.  They  left  Mount  Wollaston,  where  they  had 
established  themselves,  for  Newtown,  by  order  of  the  Gen 
eral  Court. f  At  their  urgent  solicitation,  their  pastor,  Mr. 
Hooker,  eluding  with  difficulty  the  officers  of  the  High 
Commission,  came  to  New  England  in  the  "  Griffin."  He 
reached  Boston  on  the  4th  of  September,  1633,  J  and  went 
immediately  to  Newtown,  where  he  was  soon  after  chosen 
minister.  Many  of  the  people  were  pool,  and  there  was,  at 
times,  a  scarcity  of  food.  But  the  town  flourished,  the 
inhabitants  being  fortunately  spared  by  the  Indians,  who 
had  them  at  their  mercy.  Wood,  who  visited  it  before  his 
return  to  England  in  August,  1633,  thus  describes  it:  — 

"  This  is  one  of  the  neateft  and  beft  compacted  Townes  in 
New  England,  having  many  faire  ftrudtures,  with  many  hand- 
fome  contrived  ftreets.  The  inhabitants  moft  of  them  are  very 
rich,  and  well  ftored  with  Cattell  of  all  forts."  § 

*  Holmes'    Cambridge,  pp.    8  and  fi.     Winthrop's  Life   and  Letters, 
Vol.  ii.  pp.  91-102. 

t  Winthrop's  New  England,  Vol  i.  pp.  87-8.  J  Ibid.,  pp   108-9. 

§  N.  E.  Prolpea,  p.  43. 


INTRODUCTION.  XXXV 

At  length  there  was  a  complaint  of  want  of  room.  Men 
were  accordingly  sent  to  visit  Ipswich,  with  a  view  to 
removing  there.  After  much  discussion,  however,  the 
town  was  enlarged,  and  the  people  remained. 

In  1635  Dudley  and  Bradstreet  are  found  entered  among 
the  inhabitants  of  Ipswich.*  As  early  as  Jan.  17,  1632, 
O.S.,  fearing  some  trouble  from  their  French  neighbors, 
among  other  precautions,  it  was  agreed  at  a  General  Court, 
"that  a  plantation  should  be  begun  at  Agawam,  (being 
the  best  place  in  the  land  for  tillage  and  cattle,)  least  an 
enemy,  rinding  it  void,  should  possess  and  take  it  from  us. 
The  governour's  son  (being  one  of  the  assistants)  was  to 
undertake  this,  and  to  take  no  more  out  of  the  bay  than 
twelve  men ;  the  rest  to  be  supplied  at  the  coming  of  the 
next  ships."  f  This  was  done  in  March,  and  the  little 
settlement  was  called  Ipswich  in  August,  16344  The 
ninth  church  in  the  Colony,  being  the  next  to  that  at 
Cambridge,  was  gathered  there  in  the  same  year.§  Mr. 
Nathaniel  Ward  was  made  pastor  of  the  Church,  his  place 
being  supplied  in  1636  by  Mr.  Nathaniel  Rogers.  ||  Ips 
wich  was  included  in  the  order  of  the  General  Court 
passed  September  3d,  1635,  that  no  dwelling-house  should 
be  above  half  a  mile  from  the  meeting-house. IF  This 
precautionary  measure,  owing  to  greater  danger  from  the 
Indians,  was  followed  in  the  spring  of  1636—7  by  orders  that 
watches  should  be  kept,  that  people  should  travel  with 

*  Felt's  History  of  Ipswich,  Essex,  and  Hamilton,  1834,  pp.  10-11. 
f  Winthrop's  New  England,  Vol.  i.  pp.  98-9. 
J  Mass.  Colony  Records,  Vol.  i.  p.  123. 
§  Winthrop's  New  England,  Vol.  i.  p.  94,  n.  2. 
||  Johnson's  Wonder-working  Providence,  p.  88. 
^f  Mass.  Colony  Records,  Vol.  i   p.  157 


XXXVi  INTRODUCTION. 

arms,  and  should  bring  them  to  the  public  assemblies. 
Mr.  Daniel  Dennison,  Mrs.  Bradstreet's  brother-in-law,  was 
chosen  captain  for  Ipswich.*  Mrs.  Bradstreet  mentions 
her  residing  there,  but  we  have  no  particulars  respecting 
her  stay  in  that  town. 

On  the  4th  of  March,  1634-5,  "It  is  ordered,  that  the 
land  aboute  Cochichowicke  shalbe  reserved  for  an  inland 
plantaeon,  &  that  whosoeuer  will  goe  to  inhabite  there  shall 
haue  three  yeares  iinunity  from  all  taxes,  levyes,  publique 
charges  &  services  whatsoeuer  (millitary  dissipline  onely 
excepted),"  &c.,  &c.f  This  is  the  first  mention  that  we 
find  of  what  was  afterwards  the  town  of  Andover.  In 
September,  1638,  Mr.  Bradstreet,  Mr.  Dudley,  Junior, 
Captain  Dennison,  Mr.  Woodbridge,  and  eight  others, 
"are  alowed  (vpon  their  petition)  to  begin  a  plantation 
at  Merrimack."  :f 

They  do  not  appear  to  have  left  Ipswich  immediately, 
nor  do  we  know  the  exact  year  when  they  went  to  Andover. 
It  is  certain,  however,  that  these  and  others  had  already 
established  themselves  at  Andover  before  the  year  1644, § 
in  the  September  of  which  year  two  churches  were  ap 
pointed  to  be  gathered, — one  at  Haverhill,  and  the  other 
at  Andover.  || 

Mrs.  Bradstreet's  son  Simon,  afterwards  minister  at  New 
London,  Conn.,  says  in  his  manuscript  diary :  — 

"  1640.  I  was  borne  in  N.  England,  at  Ipfwitch  Septem.  28, 
being  Munday  1640. 

*  Mass.  Colony  Records,  Vol.  i.  pp.  190-1. 
t  Ibid.,  p.  141.  J  Ibid.,  p.  237. 

§  Abbot's  History  of  Andover,  1829,  p.  13. 
il  Winthrop's  New  England,  Vol.  ii.  p.  194. 


INTRODUCTION.  XXXvii 

"1651.  I  had  my  Education  in  the  fame  Town  at  the  free 
School,  the  matter  of  w'ch  was  my  ever  refpecled  ffreind  Mr. 
Ezekiell  Cheevers.  My  Father  was  removed  from  Ipfvv.  to 
Andover,  before  I  was  putt  to  fchool,  fo  y*  my  fchooling  was 
more  chargeable." 

This,  though  not  exact,  helps  us  to  fix  the  time  of  their 
removal. 

This  tract  of  land  was  bought  of  Cutshamache,  "  Saga 
more  of  ye  Massachusets  "  by  John  Woodbridge,  in  behalf 
of  the  inhabitants  of  Cochichewick,  "for  ye  fume  of  61  & 
a  coate ; "  and  in  1646  the  town  was  incorporated  by  the 
name  of  Andover.*  The  first  settlements  were  made  near 
Cochichewick  Brook,  the  principal  part  of  the  town  being 
near  the  meeting-house,  though  the  houses  were  too  far 
apart  to  form  much  of  a  village.  This  is  that  portion 
of  the  town  now  called  North  Andover.  Not  far  from 
the  site  of  the  first  meeting-house  is  a  large  old-fashioned 
house,  the  oldest  in  the  town.  There  is  a  tradition  that 
this  house  was  built  and  occupied  by  Governor  Bradstreet, 
and  it  is  certain  that  it  was  the  residence  of  his  son,  Dudley 
Bradstreet.  f  Governor  Bradstreet's  house  was  burnt  to 
the  ground  in  July,  1666 ;  J  and,  if  the  present  house  was 
built  to  supply  the  place  of  the  old  one,  Mrs.  Bradstreet 
may  have  lived  in  it  for  a  few  years,  as  she  did  not 
die  until  September,  1672,  and  then  in  Andover.  It  has 
always  been  believed  in  the  town,  that  this  was  the  Govern 
or's  house ;  and  its  size,  the  solidity  of  its  construction, 
and  its  position,  certainly  tend  to  strengthen  this  conclusion. 
It  stands  on  the  old  Haverhill  and  Boston  road,  within  a 

*  Mass.  Colony  Records,  Vol.  ii.  p.  159;  Abbot's  Andover,  p.  n. 
t  Abbot's  Andover,  pp.  19  and  98.  t  See  page  40. 


XXXviii  INTRODUCTION. 

few  feet  of  the  way,  and  has  a  southerly  aspect.  It  has  two 
full  stories  in  front,  but  slopes  to  a  single  one  in  the  rear. 
The  rooms  on  both  sides  of  the  front  door  are  high-studded, 
the  floor  having  been  sunk  not  long  since.  The  doors 
are  small,  and  very  low.  The  walls  of  some  of  the  rooms 
are  wainscotted,  while  others  are  papered  in  the  modern 
style.  The  frame  of  the  house  is  very  heavy,  with  massive 
old  timbers  ;  and  an  immense  chimney,  strongly  buttressed 
on  its  four  sides,  runs  up  in  the  centre.  On  the  lawn  in 
front  of  the  house  are  some  beautiful  elms,  one  of  which 
is  noted  for  its  unusual  size.*  The  ground,  falling  abruptly 
from  the  easterly  side  of  the  house  into  a  deep  hollow 
where  there  is  a  little  brook,  rises  again  into  a  hill  on  the 
slope  of  which  once  stood  the  meeting-house,  not  a  vestige 
of  which  is  now  left.  Opposite  its  site  is  the  old  burying- 
ground,  an  irregular  lot,  sparsely  covered  with  ancient 
moss-grown  stones,  in  all  positions  straggling,  broken,  and 
neglected,  and  overrun  with  tall  grass  and  weeds.  Some 
few,  including  several  tombs  with  horizontal  slabs,  are 
more  modern  and  better  preserved.  The  Merrimac  is  but 
a  mile  and  a  quarter  distant,  and  the  Cochichewick  is  quite 
near. 

The  views  from  the  hill-tops  in  the  vicinity  are  charming, 
though  it  is  difficult  to  imagine  the  appearance  the  town 
presented  when  it  was  first  settled,  and  there  was  an  unbro 
ken  circle  of  woods  in  every  direction.  Now  the  visitor 
has  to  gaze  on  the  smooth  sides  of  the  green  hills,  the  coun 
try  sparsely  covered  with  houses,  and  the  long  line  of  the 

*  This  tree,  more  than  twenty-five  years  ago,  measured  sixteen  and  a 
half  feet  in  circumference,  atone  foot  above  the  ground.  Abbot's  Andover, 
p.  195.  A  view  of  the  house  is  given  in  the  frontispiece. 


INTRODUCTION.  XXxix 

great  mills  of  Lawrence  in  the  distance,  which  last,  more 
than  any  thing  else,  tell  of  the  wonderful  change  wrought 
by  two  centuries  of  progress.  Dr.  Timothy  Dwight,  who 
had  an  opportunity  (in  1810)  to  see  this  town  before  it  lost 
so  much  of  its  native  beauty,  gives  the  following  descrip 
tion  of  it :  — 

"  North  Andover  is  a  very  beautiful  piece  of  ground.  Its 
surface  is  elegantly  undulating,  and  its  soil  in  an  eminent  de 
gree  fertile.  The  meadows  are  numerous,  large,  and  of  the 
first  quality.  The  groves,  charmingly  interspersed,  are  tall  and 
thrifty.  The  landscape,  every  where  varied,  neat,  and  cheerful, 
is  also,  everywhere  rich. 

"  The  Parish  is  a  mere  collection  of  plantations,  without  any 
thing  like  a  village. 

"  Upon  the  whole,  Andover  is  one  of  the  best  farming  Towns 
in  Eastern  Massachusetts."  * 

Mr.  John  Woodbridge  was  ordained  pastor  of  the  church 
at  Andover  in  October,  1645.!  He  was  the  husband  of 
Mrs.  Bradstreet's  sister  Mercy.  He  was  born  at  Stanton, 
near  Highworth,  in  Wiltshire,  about  1613,  of  which  parish 
his  father  was  minister.  He  had  been  some  time  at 
Oxford,  but  was  unable  to  complete  the  course  there,  owing 
to  his  own  and  his  father's  unwillingness  that  he  should 
take  the  oath  of  conformity  required  of  him.  About  the 
year  1634,  he  came  to  New  England,  with  his  uncle,  Mr. 
Thomas  Parker,  and  settled  at  Newbury.J  From  that 
place,  as  we  have  seen,  he  moved  to  Andover.  In  1647 
he  sailed  for  the  old  country,  probably  taking  with  him 

*  Travels.  New  Haven:  1821.  Vol.  i.  p.  401. 
f  Winthrop's  New  England,  Vol.  ii.  pp.  252-3. 
J  Mather's  Magnalia,  Bk.  iii.  p.  219. 


xl  INTRODUCTION. 

the  manuscript  poems  of  our  author.  These  he  caused  to 
be  published  in  London  in  1650,  under  the  title  of  "The 
Tenth  Mufe  Lately  fprung  up  in  America.  Or  Sever  all 
Poems,  compiled  with  great  variety  of  Wit  and  Learn 
ing,  full  of  delight.  .  .  .  By  a  Gentlewoman  in  thofe 
parts."  * 

They  were  introduced  to  the  reader  in  a  short  preface  in 
which  the  author  is  described  as  "a  Woman,  honoured, 
and  efteemed  where  me  lives,  for  her  gracious  demeanour, 
her  eminent  parts,  her  pious  converfation,  her  courteous 
difpofition,  her  exact  diligence  in  her  place,  and  difcreet 
mannaging  of  her  family  occafions."  The  poems  were 
said  to  be  "the  fruit  but  of  fome  few  houres,  curtailed 
from  her  fleep,  and  other  refremments."  He  also  adds  : 
"I  feare  the  difpleafure  of  no  perfon  in  the  publilhing  of 
thefe  Poems  but  the  Authors,  without  whofe  knowledge, 
and  contrary  to  her  expectation,  I  have  prefumed  to  bring 
to  publick  view  what  me  refolved  fhould  never  in  fuch  a 
manner  fee  the  Sun ;  but  I  found  that  divers  had  gotten 
fome  fcattered  papers,  affected  them  wel,  were  likely  to 
have  fent  forth  broken  pieces  to  the  Authors  prejudice, 
which  I  thought  to  prevent,  as  well  as  to  pleafure  thofe 
that  earneflly  delired  the  view  of  the  whole."  f 

That  Woodbridge  was  principally  concerned  in  their 
publication  appears  yet  more  fully  from  a  poetical  epistle 
signed  "I.  W."  and  addressed  "To  my  deare  Siller  the 
Author  of  thefe  Poems"  which  follows  soon  after.  J 

Besides  this,  there  are  other  commendatory  verses,  in  which 
her  poems  are  praised  most  extravagantly,  by  the  Rev.  N. 

*  See  page  79.  f  First  edition,  pp.  iii-iv.     See  pages  83-4. 

J  See  page  86. 


INTRODUCTION.  xli 

Ward,  who  had  been  one  of  her  neighbors  and  her  minister 
at  Ipswich;  by  the  Rev.  Benjamin  Woodbridge,  and 
other  friends  and  admirers  of  hers.  There  are  some  ana 
grams  on  her  name,  a  poetical  dedication  by  her  of  the 
whole  to  her  father,*  and  a  prologue.  The  first  four  pieces 
in  the  book,  "The  Foure  Elements,"  "The  Foure  Humours 
in  Man's  Confutation,"  "The  Four  Ages  of  Man,"  and 
"The  Four  Seafons  of  the  Year,"  are  really  four  parts  of 
one  entire  poem.  In  this  the  sixteen  personified  characters 
—  Fire,  Earth,  Water,  Aire,  Choler,  Blood,  Melancholy, 
Flegme,  Childhood,  Youth,  Middle  Age,  Old  Age,  Spring, 
Summer,  Autumne,  and  Winter — like  the  embodied  ab 
stractions  of  the  old  English  moral  plays,  appear  upon  the 
stage,  where  each  sets  forth  successively  his  various  quali 
ties,  and  boasts  of  the  great  power  which  he  exerts  for  good 
or  evil  in  the  world. f  Next  comes  the  poem  on  "The  Four 
Monarchies  of  the  World,"  the  Assyrian,  Persian,  Grecian, 
and  Roman,  which  takes  up  more  than  half  of  the  whole 
volume.  To  these  are  added,  "A  Dialogue  between  Old- 

*  The  date,  March  20,  1642,  attached  to  this  Dedication  in  the  second 
edition,  may  have  led  to  a  mistake  as  to  the  time  when  the  first  edition  was 
published.  Mr.  Allibone,  in  his  "  Dictionary  of  Authors,"  and  Mr.  Gris- 
wold,  in  his  "Female  Poets  of  America,"  state  it  to  have  been  in  1640;  and 
in  Appleton's  "  Cyclopaedia  of  Biography"  it  is  given  as  1642.  Both  dates 
are  wrong,  the  first  edition  being  published  in  1650. 

t  The  Percy  Society  have  reprinted,  in  the  twenty-second  volume  of 
their  "Publications,"  "  one  of  the  earliest  moral  plays  in  the  English 
language  known  to  exist,"  called  "The  Interlude  of  the  Four  Elements." 
Some  of  the  "  dyvers  matters  whiche  be  in  this  Interlude  conteynyd,"  are 
"  Of  the  sytuacyon  of  the  iiij.  elernentes,  that  is  to  say,  the  Yerth,  the  Water, 
the  Ayre,  and  Fyre,  and  of  their  qualytese  and  propertese,  and  of  the  gen- 
eracyon  and  corrupcyon  of  thynges  made  of  the  commyxton  of  them." 

But  none  of  the  Elements  themselves  are  players,  and  there  is  nothing 
contained  in  the  play  similar  to  what  we  find  in  Mrs.  Bradstreet's  verses. 


xlii  INTRODUCTION. 

England  and  New,  Concerning  their  prefent  troubles. 
Anno  1642  ; "  elegies  upon  Sir  Philip  Sidney  and  Queen 
Elizabeth;  a  poem  "In  honour  of  Du  Bartas,  1641;" 
"David's  Lamentation  for  Saul,  and  Jonathan,"  versified 
from  the  second  book  of  Samuel ;  and  another,  and  the  last, 
"  Of  the  vanity  of  all  worldly  creatures" 

Of  the  merit  of  these  productions,  I  will  say  but  little, 
leaving  the  reader  to  judge  for  himself  on  this  point.  I 
can  hardly  expect,  however,  that,  after  f  twice  drinking  the 
neclar  of  her  lines,'  he  will  "welter  in  delight,"  like  the 
enthusiastic  President  Rogers.*  Yet  I  am  confident,  that, 
if  it  is  denied  that  they  evince  much  poetic  genius,  it  must, 
at  least,  be  acknowledged  that  they  are  remarkable,  when 
the  time,  place,  and  circumstances  under  which  they  were 
composed,  are  taken  into  consideration.  They  are  quaint 
and  curious ;  they  contain  many  beautiful  and  original 
ideas,  not  badly  expressed ;  and  they  constitute  a  singular 
and  valuable  relic  of  the  earliest  literature  of  the  country. 
It  is  important  that  the  reader  should  bear  in  mind  the 
peculiarly  unpropitious  circumstances  under  which  they 
were  written.  No  genial  coterie  of  gifted  minds  was  near 
to  cheer  and  inspire  her,  no  circle  of  wits  to  sharpen  and 
brighten  her  faculties ;  she  had  no  elegant  surroundings  of 
rich  works  of  art  to  encourage  and  direct  her  tastes :  but 
the  country  was  a  wilderness,  and  the  people  among  whom 
she  dwelt  were  the  last  in  the  world  to  stimulate  or  appre 
ciate  a  poet. 

Notwithstanding  her  assurance  to  her  father  that 

"My  goods  are  true  (though  poor)  I  love  no  ftealth,"  f 

Mrs.  Bradstreet's  longer  poems  appear  to  be,  in  many  places, 

*  See  pages  93-96.  f  See  page  98,  last  line. 


INTRODUCTION.  xliii 

simply  poetical  versions  of  what  she  had  read.  Accord 
ingly,  her  facts  and  theories  are  often  discordant  with  what 
the  more  accurate  and  thorough  investigation  of  recent 
years  has  made  certain  or  probable.  To  point  out  these 
differences  wherever  they  occur  would  be  at  once  a  diffi 
cult  and  a  useless  task.  Her  poems  make  it  evident  that 
she  had  been  a  faithful  student  of  history,  an  assiduous 
reader,  and  a  keen  observer  of  nature  and  of  what  was 
transpiring  both  at  home  and  abroad.  She  mentions  many 
of  the  principal  Greek  and  Latin  authors,  such  as  Hesiod, 
Homer,  Thucydides,  Xenophon,  and  Aristotle,  Virgil,  Ovid, 
Quintus  Curtius,  Pliny,  and  Seneca ;  but  there  is  no  reason 
to  suppose  that  she  had  read  their  works,  either  in  the 
originals  or  in  translations.  A  few  scraps  of  Latin  are 
to  be  found  scattered  through  her  writings ;  but  they  are 
such  as  any  one  might  have  picked  up  without  knowing 
the  language.  "The  Exacl:  Epitomie  of  the  Four  Monar 
chies,"  which  takes  up  considerably  more  than  half  of  the 
volume  of  "Poems,"  was  probably  derived  almost  entirely 
from  Sir  Walter  Raleigh's  "History  of  the  World,"  Arch 
bishop  Usher's  "Annals  of  the  World,"  the  Hebrew  writ 
ings,  Pemble's  "Period  of  the  Perfian  Monarchic,"*  and 
perhaps  from  other  historical  treatises.  She  frequently 

*  See  page  250,  note. 

William  Pemble,  a  learned  divine,  was  born  in  Sussex,  or  at  Egerton,  in 
Kent,  in  1591,  and  died  April  14,  1623.  One  of  his  works  was  entitled 
"  THE  PERIOD  OF  THE  PERSIAN  MONARCHIE,  Wherein  fundry  places  of 
Ezra,  Nehemiah,  and  Daniel  are  cleered.  Extracted,  contracted,  and 
englifhed,  (much  of  it  out  of  Doctor  Raynolds)  by  the  late  learned  and 
godly  Man  Mr.  WILLIAM  Pemble,  of  Magdalen  Hall  in  OXFORD."  This 
is  doubtless  the  book  which  Mrs.  Bradstreet  had  seen.  All  of  his  works 
were  separately  printed  after  his  death,  and  then  collected  in  one  volume, 
folio,  in  1635,  and  reprinted  four  or  five  times. 


xllV  INTRODUCTION. 

refers  to  Raleigh  and  Usher ;  but  it  was  to  Raleigh  that 
she  was  chiefly  indebted,  and  she  follows  him  very  closely. 
A  few  parallel  passages  from  her  "Poems"  and  from 
Raleigh's  "History  of  the  World"  will  prove  this,  and  will 
show,  that,  when  she  apparently  gives  the  result  of  her  own 
researches  among  the  writers  of  antiquity,  she  is  only 
quoting  them  indirectly  through  the  English  historians  of 
her  own  time. 

She  thus  describes  the  murder  of  the  philosopher  Callis- 
thenes  by  Alexander  the  Great,  in  her  account  of  the 
Grecian  Monarchy :  — 

"  The  next  of  worth  that  fuffered  after  thefe, 
Was  learned,  virtuous,  wife  Califthenes, 
Who  lov'd  his  Matter  more  then  did  the  reft, 
As  did  appear,  in  flattering  him  the  leaft; 
In  his  efteem  a  God  he  could  not  be, 
Nor  would  adore  him  for  a  Diety : 
For  this  alone  and  for  no  other  caufe, 
Againft  his  Sovereign,  or  againft  his  Laws, 
He  on  the  Rack  his  Limbs  in  pieces  rent, 
Thus  was  he  tortur'd  till  his  life  was  fpent. 
Of  this  unkingly  act  doth  Seneca 
This  cenfure  pafs,  and  not  unwifely  fay, 
Of  Alexander  this  th'  eternal  crime, 
Which  mail  not  be  obliterate  by  time. 
Which  virtues  fame  can  ne're  redeem  by  far, 
Nor  all  felicity  of  his  in  war. 
When  e're  'tis  faid  he  thoufand  thoufands  flew, 
Yea,  and  Califthenes  to  death  he  drew. 
The  mighty  Per/tan  King  he  overcame, 
Yea,  and  he  kill'd  Califtthenes  of  fame. 
All  Countryes,  Kingdomes,  Provinces,  he  wan 
From  Hellifpont,  to  th'  farthest  Ocean. 
All  this  he  did,  who  knows'  not  to  be  true? 
But  yet  withal,  Califthenes  he  flew. 


INTRODUCTION.  xlv 

From  Macedon,  his  Empire  did  extend 
Unto  the  utmoft  bounds  o'  th'  orient : 
All  this  he  did,  yea,  and  much  more,  'tis  true, 
But  yet  withal,  Califtkenes  he  flew."  * 

This  passage,  the  quotation  from  Seneca  included,  is 
taken  directly  from  Raleigh,  whose  words  are  as  fol 
lows  :  — 

"  Alexander  stood  behind  a  partition,  and  heard  all  that  was 
spoken,  waiting  but  an  opportunity  to  be  revenged  on  Callisthe- 
nes,  who  being  a  man  of  free  speech,  honest,  learned,  and  a  lover 
of  the  king's  honour,  was  yet  soon  after  tormented  to  death,  not 
for  that  he  had  betrayed  the  king  to  others,  but  because  he 
never  would  condescend  to  betray  the  king  to  himself,  as  all  his 
detestable  flatterers  did.  For  in  a  conspiracy  against  the  king, 
made  by  one  Hermolaus  and  others,  (which  they  confessed,)  he 
caused  Callisthenes,  without  confession,  accusation,  or  trial,  to  be 
torn  asunder,  upon  the  rack.  This  deed,  unworthy  of  a  king, 
Seneca  thus  censureth  :  [He  gives  the  Latin,  and  thus  translates 
it.]  '  This  is  the  eternal  crime  of  Alexander,  which  no  virtue 
nor  felicity  of  his  in  war  shall  ever  be  able  to  redeem.  For  as 
often  as  any  man  shall  say,  He  slew  many  thousand  Persians ; 
it  shall  be  replied,  He  did  so,  and  he  slew  Callisthenes :  when  it 
shall  be  said,  He  slew  Darius ;  it  shall  be  replied,  And  Callis 
thenes  :  when  it  shall  be  said,  He  won  all  as  far  as  to  the  very 
ocean,  thereon  also  he  adventured  with  unusual  navies,  and 
extended  his  empire  from  a  corner  of  Thrace  to  the  utmost 
bounds  of  the  orient ;  it  shall  be  said  withal,  But  he  killed 
Callisthenes.  Let  him  have  outgone  all  the  ancient  examples 
of  captains  and  kings,  none  of  all  his  acts  makes  so  much  to 
his  glory,  as  Callisthenes  to  his  reproach.' "  f 

*  See  pages  284-5. 

t  "  History  of  the  World."     Oxford  :   1829.     Bk.  iv.  ch.  2,  sec.  19. 


xlvi  INTRODUCTION. 

Again,  speaking  of  Cyrus,  she  says :  — 

"  But  Zenofhon  reports,  he  dy'd  in's  bed, 
In  honour,  peace,  and  wealth,  with  a  grey  head, 
And  in  his  Town  of  Pafargada  lyes, 
Where  Alexander  fought,  in  hope  of  prize, 
But  in  this  Tombe  was  only  to  be  found 
Two  Sythian  bowes,  a  fword,  and  target  round ; 
Where  that  proud  Conquereur  could  doe  no  leffe, 
Then  at  his  Herfe  great  honours  to  expreffe ;  "* 

using  almost  the  same  words  as  Raleigh  :  — 

"Wherefore  I  rather  believe  Xenophon,  saying,  that  Cyrus 
died  aged,  and  in  peace.  .  .  . 

"  This  tomb  was  opened  by  Alexander,  as  Quintus  Curtius,  1 
i.  reporteth,  either  upon  hope  of  treasure  supposed  to  have  been 
buried  with  him,  (or  upon  desire  to  honour  his  dead  body  with 
certain  ceremonies,)  in  which  there  was  found  an  old  rotten 
target,  two  Scythian  bows,  and  a  sword.  The  coffin  wherein  the 
body  lay,  Alexander  caused  to  be  covered  with  his  own  garment, 
and  a  crown  of  gold  to  be  set  upon  it."  f 

Her  account  of  the  quarrel  of  Alexander  and  Cleitus, 
which  resulted  in  the  death  of  the  latter,  is  evidently  taken 
from  Raleigh  :  — 

"The  next  that  in  untimely  death  had  part, 
Was  one  of  more  efteem,  but  lefle  defart ; 
Clitus,  belov'd  next  to  Epheftion, 
And  in  his  cups,  his  chief  Companion ; 
When  both  were  drunk,  Clitus  was  wont  to  jeere  ; 
Alexander,  to  rage,  to  kill,  and  fweare, 
Nothing  more  pleafing  to  mad  Clitus  tongue, 
Then's  Matters  god-head,  tp  defie,  and  wrong; 

*  First  edition,  p.  89.     See  page  211. 

t  "  History  of  the  World,"  Bk.  iii.,  ch.  3,  sec.  6. 


INTRODUCTION.  xlvii 

Nothing  toucht  Alexander  to  the  quick 
Like  this,  againft  his  deity  to  kick  : 
Upon  a  time,  when  both  had  drunken  well, 
Upon  this  dangerous  theam  fond  Clitus  fell ; 
From  jeaft,  to  earneft,  and  at  laft  fo  bold, 
That  of  Parmcnio's  death  him  plainly  told. 
Alexander  now  no  longer  could  containe, 
But  inftantly  commands  him  to  be  flaine; 
Next  day,  he  tore  his  face,  for  what  he'd  done. 
And  would  have  flaine  himfelf,  for  Clitus  gone. 
This  pot  companion  he  did  more  bemoan, 
Then  all  the  wrong  to  brave  Parmenio  done."  * 

Raleigh  says  :  — 

..."  we  read  of  Alexander  .  .  .  how  he  slew  him  [Clytus] 
soon  after,  for  valuing  the  virtue  of  Philip  the  father  before  that 
of  Alexander  the  son,  or  rather  because  he  objected  to  the  king 
the  death  of  Parmenio,  and  derided  the  oracle  of  Hammon  ; 
for  therein  he  touched  him  to  the  quick,  the  same  being  de 
livered  in  public  and  at  a  drunken  banquet.  Clytus,  indeed, 
had  deserved  as  much  at  the  king's  hands  as  any  man  living  had 
done,  and  had  in  particular  saved  his  life,  which  the  king  well 
remembered  when  he  came  to  himself,  and  when  it  was  too  late. 
Yet,  to  say  the  truth,  Clytus's  insolency  was  intolerable.  As  he 
in  his  cups  forgat  whom  he  offended,  so  the  king  in  his  (for 
neither  of  them  were  themselves)  forgat  whom  he  went  about 
to  slay  ;  for  the  grief  whereof  he  tore  his  own  face,  and  sor 
rowed  so  inordinately,  as,  but  for  the  persuasions  of  Callisthenes, 
it  is  thought  he  would  have  slain  himself."  t 

In  her  sketch  of  Semiramis,  we  find  this  :  — 

v   "  The  River  Indus  J  fwept  them  half  away, 
The  reft  Staurobates  in  fight  did  flay ; 

*  First  edition,  pp   145-6.     See  pages  283-4. 
t  "  History  of  the  World,"  Bk.  iv.  ch.  2,  sec.  19. 
%  See  page  186,  note  /. 


xlvlii  INTRODUCTION. 

This  was  laft  progrefs  of  this  mighty  Queen, 
Who  in  her  Country  never  more  was  feen. 
The  Poets  feign'd  her  turn'd  into  a  Dove, 
Leaving  the  world  to  Venus  foar'd  above  : 
Which  made  the  AJfyrians  many  a  day, 
A  Dove  within  their  Enfigns  to  difplay  :  "  * 

Now,  Raleigh  says  :  — 

"  But  of  what  multitude  soever  the  army  of  Semiramis  con 
sisted,  the  same  being  broken  and  overthrown  by  Stanrobates 
upon  the  banks  of  Indus,  canticum  cantavit  extremum,  she  sang 
her  last  song ;  and  (as  antiquity  hath  feigned)  was  changed  by 
the  gods  into  a  dove  ;  (the  bird  of  Venus  ;)  whence  it  came  that  the 
Babylonians  gave  a  dove  in  their  ensigns."  f 

She  says  of  Xerxes  :  — 

"  He  with  his  Crown  receives  a  double  war, 
The  Egyptians  to  reduce,  and  Greece  to  marr, 
The  firft  begun,  and  finifh'd  in  fuch  hafte, 
None  write  by  whom,  nor  how,  'twas  over  paft. 
But  for  the  laft,  he  made  fuch  preparation, 
As  if  to  duft,  he  meant,  to  grinde  that  nation ; 
Yet  all  his  men,  and  Inftruments  of  flaughter, 
Produced  but  derilion  and  laughter."  % 

Raleigh  has  the  same  in  these  words  :  — 

"  Xerxes  received  from  his  father,  as  hereditary,  a  double  war, 
one  to  be  made  against  the  Egyptians,  which  he  finished  so  speed 
ily  that  there  is  nothing  remaining  in  writing  how  the  same  was 
performed  ;  the  other  against  the  Grecians,  of  which  it  is  hard  to 
judge  whether  the  preparations  were  more  terrible,  or  the  success, 
ridiculous."  § 

*  See  page  186. 

t  "  History  of  the  World,"  Bk.  i.  ch.  12,  sec.  4. 

J  See  page  223. 

§  "  History  of  the  World,"  Bk.  iii.  ch.  6,  sec.  i. 


INTRODUCTION.  xlix 

Speaking  of  the  state  of  things  after  the  death  of  Alex 
ander  the  Great,  she  uses  the  following  very  apt  illustration, 
which,  however,  she  found  in  Raleigh  :  — 

"  Great  Alexander  dead,  his  Armyes  left, 
Like  to  that  Giant  of  his  Eye  bereft; 
When  of  his  monftrous  bulk  it  was  the  guide, 
His  matchlefs  force  no  creature  could  abide. 
But  by  Uliffes  having  loft  his  fight, 
All  men  began  ftreight  to  contemn  his  might; 
For  aiming  ftill  amifs,  his  dreadful  blows 
Did  harm  himfelf,  but  never  reacht  his  Foes."  * 

Now,  Raleigh  :  — 

"  The  death  of  Alexander  left  his  army  (as  Demades  the 
Athenian  then  compared  it)  in  such  case,  as  was  that  mon 
strous  giant  Polyphemus,  having  lost  his  only  eye.  For  that 
which  is  reported  in  fables  of  that  great  Cyclops  might  well  be 
verified  of  the  Macedonians :  their  force  was  intolerable,  but 
for  want  of  good  guidance  (ineffectual,  and  harmful  chiefly  to 
themselves."  f 

After  the  publication  of  the  first  edition  of  her  "Poems," 
Mrs.  Bradstreet  appears  to  have  read  Sir  Thomas  North's 
translation  of  Plutarch's  Lives,  and  to  have  incorporated 
some  of  the  facts  which  she  thus  obtained  into  the  second 
edition.  She  does  not  mention  Plutarch  in  the  first  edition  ; 
while,  in  the  second,  she  refers  to  him  twice  by  name.  I 
will  give  a  single  instance  of  the  way  in  which  she  made 
these  additions.  In  place  of  the  lines  in  the  first  edition, 
already  quoted,  — 

"Alexander  now  no  longer  could  containe, 
But  inftantly  commands  him  to  be  flaine ;  "  — 

*  See  page  289. 

t  "  History  of  the  World,"  Bk.  iv.  ch.  3,  sec.  i. 


1  INTRODUCTION. 

are  substituted  in  the  second,  the  following  :  — 

"  Which  Alexanders  wrath  incens'd  fo  high, 
Nought  but  his  life  for  this  could  fatisfie ; 
From  one  ftood  by  he  ihacht  a  partizan, 
And  in  a  rage  him  through  the  body  ran."  * 

These  last  two  lines  must  have  come  from  Plutarch. 

u  Then  Alexander  taking  a  partifan  from  one  of  his  guard,  as 
Clitus  was  coming  towards  him,  and  had  lift  vp  the  hanging  be 
fore  the  doore,  he  ranne  him  through  the  body,  fo  that  Clitus 
fell  to  the  ground,  and  fetching  one  grone,  died  prefently."  t 

So,  notwithstanding  her  allusion  to  Galen  and  Hippoc 
rates  ?:f  it  is  almost  certain  that  she  obtained  her  wonder 
fully  exact  description  of  human  anatomy  from  the  "curious 
learned  Crooke,"  §  whose  "Description  of  the  Body  of  Man" 
had  gone  through  three  editions  in  London  in  1631. 

Mrs.  Bradstreet's  familiarity  with  the  Bible  is  apparent 
all  through  her  writings.  There  are  traces  of  her  having 
used  the  Genevan  Version,  which,  for  many  reasons,  was 
more  acceptable  to  the  Puritans  than  the  authorized  one  of 
King  James. 

*  See  pages  283  and  284,  note  /,  and  page  xlvii. 

t  North's  Plutarch.     London:  1631.     p.  700. 

t  See  page  143. 

§  See  page  144.  Probably  Helkiah  Crooke,  M.D.,  of  whose  works  Watt 
has  the  following  in  his  "  Bibliotheca  Britannica,"  Vol.  i.  p.  272,  w. :  — 

"  M.iKpoKoajj.o-ypa<j>ia,  or  a  Description  of  the  Body  of  Man,  collected  and 
translated  out  of  all  the  best  Authors  of  Anatomy,  especially  out  of  Gaspar, 
Bauchinus,  and  A.  Sourentius.  Lond.  1615,  1618,  1631.  fol.  A  large 
work,  illustrated  with  the  plates  of  Vesalius  and  others. —  An  Explanation 
of  the  fashion  and  use  of  three  and  fifty  Instruments  of  Chirurgery.  Lond. 
1631,  fol.  The  same  Lond.  1634,  8vo.  Taken  chiefly  from  Parey."  [Am 
brose  Pare,  a  French  surgeon.] 


UNIVERSITY 

or 


INTRODUCTION.  H 

Du  Bartas,  as  translated  by  Joshua  Sylvester,  was  her 
favorite  author.  However  distasteful  his  writings  may  be 
to  readers  of  the  present  day,  they  were  then  exceedingly 
popular,  and  we  are  told  that  Milton  not  only  found  pleas 
ure  in  reading  them,  but  was  to  some  extent  indebted  to 
them.*  Mrs.  Bradstreet,  besides  her  special  tribute  to  his 
memory,  constantly  displays  her  admiration  for  Du  Bartas. 
This  liking  was  known  to  her  friends ;  and  in  her  dedica 
tion  of  her  "Poems"  to  her  father,  she  felt  it  necessary 
expressly  to  disclaim  having  copied  from  him  at  all.  How 
much  she  really  owed  to  him  it  is  hard  to  tell.  The  gen 
eral  idea  of  her  longer  poems  may  have  been  suggested 
by  reading  his  works,  and  her  style  and  manner  may  have 
been  affected  in  the  same  way.f 

*  Craik's  English  Literature,  Vol.  i.  p.  569,  and  note  2.  Bohn's  Bib 
liographer's  Manual,  sub  Du  Bartas. 

t  Guillaume  de  Saluste  du  Bartas,  born  of  noble  parents  near  Audi 
about  1544,  and  brought  up  to  the  profession  of  war,  distinguished  himself 
as  a  soldier  and  a  negotiator.  Holding  the  same  religious  views  as  Henry 
IV.  before  he  became  King  of  France,  and  attached  to  the  person  of  that 
prince  in  the  capacity  of  gentleman  in  ordinary  of  his  bed-chamber,  he 
was  successfully  employed  by  him  on  missions  to  Denmark,  Scotland,  and 
England.  He  was  at  the  battle  of  Ivry,  and  celebrated  in  song  the  victory 
which  he  had  helped  to  gain.  He  died  four  months  after,  in  July,  1590, 
at  the  age  of  forty-six,  in  consequence  of  some  wounds  which  had  been 
badly  healed.  He  passed  all  the  leisure  which  his  duties  left  him  at  his 
chateau  du  Bartas.  It  was  there  that  he  composed  his  long  and  numer 
ous  poems  :  La  Premiere  Semaine,  that  is,  the  Creation  in  seven  days ; 
LUranie,  Judith,  Le  Triomphe  de  la  Foi,  Les  Neuf  Muses,  and  La 
Seconde  Semaine.  The  last  work  is  very  strangely  entitled,  as  it  com 
prehends  a  great  part  of  the  Old  Testament  histories.  His  principal 
poem,  La  Semaine,  went  through  more  than  thirty  editions  in  less  than 
six  years,  and  was  translated  into  Latin,  Italian,  Spanish,  English,  Ger 
man,  and  Dutch.  MICHAUD  ;  BIOGRAPHIE  UNIVERSELLE,  sub  Bartas. 

Sylvester's  translation  of  Du  Bartas's  works  was  first  published   in   a 


Hi  INTRODUCTION. 

Sir  Philip  Sidney  was  also  a  great  favorite  with  Mrs. 
Bradstreet,  but  she  was  not  able  to  praise  his  works  in 
such  unqualified  terms  as  she  does  those  of  Du  Bartas. 
Her  criticisms  are  quite  entertaining.  She  refers  to  the 
"  Historic  of  Great  Britaine "  by  Speed,  and  to  Camden's 
"Annales,"*  as  if  she  had  read  them,  and  she  probably 
derived  some  of  the  facts  used  in  the  "  Dialogue  between 
Old-England  and  New"  from  the  former.  She  was  not 
ignorant  of  the  works  of  Spenser,  f  but  she  does  not  dis 
cuss  their  merits. 

The  earliest  date  attached  to  any  of  Mrs.  Bradstreet's 
writings  is  that  of  a  posthumous  poem  entitled  "  Upon  a 
Fit  of  Sicknefs,  Anno.  1632.  ^tatis  face,  19. "if  This  was 
written  at  a  time  of  great  despondency,  and  certainly  does 
not  show  the  signs  of  much  poetic  genius.  The  elegy 
upon  Sir  Philip  Sidney  bears  date  1638 ;  the  poem  in 
honor  of  Du  Bartas,  1641  ;  the  Dialogue  between  Old- 
England  and  New,  1642;  the  Dedication  of  the  "Poems" 
to  her  father  (in  the  second  edition),  March  20,  1642  ;  and 
the  poem  in  honor  of  Queen  Elizabeth,  1643.  All  the 
"  Poems,"  in  the  first  edition  at  least,  were  thus  apparently 
written  by  the  time  she  was  thirty  years  old. 

Of  her  mother,  who  died  on  the  27th  of  December, 
1643,  scarcely  any  thing  is  known,  not  even  her  maiden 

quarto  volume  in  London  in  1605,  the  parts  of  which  it  was  composed 
having  previously  appeared  separately.  The  title  of  the  edition  of  1621 
was  "Du  BARTAS.  His  DIUINE  WEEKES  AND  WORKES,  with  a  Com- 
pleate  Collection  of  all  the  other  most  delightfull  Workes,  Translated 
and  Written  by  y*  famous  Philomusus*  Josvah  Sylvester,  Gent."  Others 
had  also  competed  with  Sylvester  in  this  work. 

*  See  page  358.  f  See  pages  348  and  358. 

%  See  page  391. 


INTRODUCTION.  Hii 

name.     Her  homely  virtues   are  thus  simply  recorded  by 
her  daughter :  — 

"An   EPITAPH 
On  my  dear  and  ever  honoured  Mother 

Mrs.  Dorothy  Dudley, 

who  deccafed  Decemb.  27.  1643.  and  of  her  age,  61  : 

Here  lyes, 

A     Worthy  Matron  of  unj~potted  life, 

A  loving-  Mother  and  obedient  wife, 
A  friendly  Neighbor,  pitiful  to  poor, 

Whom  oft  JJie  fed,  and  clothed  with  her  ftore ; 
To  Servants  wifely  aweful,  but  yet  kind, 
And  as  they  did,  Jo  they  reward  did  find'. 
A  true  Inftrufier  of  her  Family, 
The  which  JJie  ordered  with  dexterity. 
The  publick  meetings  ever  did  frequent, 
And  in  her  Clofet  conjlant  hours  fhe  fpent ; 
Religious  in  all  her  words  and  wayes, 
Preparing  ft  ill  for  death,  till  end  of  dayes : 
Of  all  her  Children,  Children,  liv'dto  fee, 
Then  dying,  left  a  blejfed  memory"  * 

After  the  death  of  this  lady,  Governor  Dudley  married, 
on  the  1 4th  of  the  following  April,  Catherine,  widow  of 
Samuel  Hackburne.f  He  died  on  the  3ist  of  July,  1653, 

*  See  page  369. 

f  Governor  Dudley  had  the  following  children  by  his  first  wife  :  — 

1.  Samuel;   born  in  England,  in   1610.      Married  three  times,  first  in 
1632  or  '33,  Mary,  daughter  of  Governor  Winthrop.     Settled  minister  at 
Exeter,  N.H.,  in  1650,  where  he  died  in  January,  1682,  O.S.     Had  eighteen 
children. 

2.  Anne;  married  Governor  Bradstreet. 

3.  Patience;    married  Major-General  Daniel  Denison.      Died   Feb.  8, 
1690,  O.S.     Had  two  children. 


llV  INTRODUCTION. 

in  the  seventy-seventh  year  of  his  age.*  He  moved  from 
Ipswich  to  Roxbury  about  the  year  1639,!  and  resided  there 
during  the  rest  of  his  life.  From  the  time  of  his  arrival  in 
America  he  had  been  a  magistrate ;  he  had  held  the  offices 
of  Governor,  Deputy-Governor,  Assistant,  and  Justice  of 
the  Peace ;  he  was  in  May,  1636,  together  with  Winthrop, 
chosen  Councillor  for  life ;  in  1644  he  was  elected  the  first 
Major-General ;  he  had  been  appointed  to  hold  court  in 
various  places,  and  had  received  many  other  tokens  of 
the  regard  and  confidence  of  the  people .J  He  has  been 
charged  with  bigotry  and  intolerance,  faults  which  certainly 
did  not  distinguish  him  from  most  of  his  contemporaries, 

4.  Sarah ;    baptized  July  23,    1620,   at   Sempringham ;    married    Major 
Benjamin  Keajne,  of  Boston,  and  was  divorced  from  him  in  1647.     She 
afterwards  married Pacye,  and  died  Nov.  3,  1659. 

5.  Mercy;  born  Sept.  27,  1621;   married  the  Rev.  John  Woodbridge  in 
1639;  and  died  in  July,  1691.     Had  twelve  children. 

6.  Dorothy;  died  Feb.  27,  1643. 

By  his  second  wife  he  had,  — 

i.  Deborah;  born  Feb.  27,  1644-5;  died  unmarried  Nov.  I,  1683. 
"2.  Joseph;  born  Sept.  23,  1647;  married  in  1668  Rebecca,  daughter  of 
Edward  Tyng,  and  died  April  2,  1720.  He  was  Governor  of  Massachusetts, 
Lieutenant-Governor  of  the  Isle  of  Wight,  and  first  Chief-Justice  of  New 
York.  He  had  thirteen  children,  one  of  whom,  Paul,  was  also  a  distin 
guished  man;  being  Attorney-General,  and  afterwards  Chief-Justice  of 
Massachusetts,  Fellow  of  the  Royal  Society,  and  founder  of  the  Dudleian 
Lectures  at  Harvard  College. 

3.  Paul ;  born  Sept.  8,  1650,  married  Mary,  daughter  of  Governor  John 
Leverett,  and  died  1681-82.     Had  three  children.* 

*  See  page  365. 

t  Felt's  Ipswich,  p.  72. 

t  Massachusetts  Colony  Records,  Vo'ls.  I. -III. 

«  "  Sutton-Dudleys,"  p.  97      Dudley  Genealogies,  p.  18.      N.  E.  Hist.  Gen.  Register,  Vol.  i. 
pp.  71-2;  Vol.  x.  pp.  130-6.     Mass  Hist.  Soc.  Proceedings  (1860-52),  pp.  93,  95. 


INTRODUCTION.  ly 

either  here  or  in  England.  If  he  was  stern,  blunt,  and 
overbearing,  he  was  at  the  same  time  placable,  generous, 
and  hospitable.  He  was  a  faithful  and  an  able  magistrate, 
and  conscientiously  discharged  all  his  duties.  He  had 
some  knowledge  of  law,  and  was  a  shrewd  business  man, 
but  honest  in  all  his  dealings.  In  short,  he  presented  that 
varied  phase  of  character  that  one  might  expect  to  find  in 
a  man  who  had  had  such  a  rough  experience  in  life.  He 
left  fifty  or  sixty  books,  principally  on  history  and  divinity, 
some  of  them  in  Latin,  and  forming  what  was  then  a  large 
library.*  Mather  has  preserved  a  Latin  epitaph  in  his 
"Magnalia,"  signed  "E.  R."  [Ezekiel  Rogers] ,  in  which 
Dudley  is  described  as  a 

"  Helluo  Librorum,  Lectorum  Bibliotheca 

Communis,  Sacrae  Syllabus  Historiae"  f 

Mrs.  Bradstreet,  too,. calls  him  "a  magazine  of  history,"  and 
acknowledges  that  he  was  her  "  guide "  and  "  instructor,"  J 
and  that  it  was  to  him  that  she  owed  her  love  of  books.  In 
some  verses  to  her  father,  she  says  :  — 

"  Moft  truly  honoured,  and  as  truly  dear, 
If  worth  in  me,  or  ought  I  do  appear, 
Who  can  of  right  better  demand  the  fame? 
Then  may  your  worthy  felf  from  whom  it  came."  § 

If  we  may  judge  from  a  reference  in  her  "  Dedication," 
it  is  probable  that  he  had  written  a  poem  "On  the  Four 
Parts  of  the  World,"  ||  which  might  even  have  been  printed. 
But,  if  it  was  similar  to  the  oft-quoted  verses  said  to  have 

*  Suffolk  Probate  Records,  Lib.  ii.  Fol.  133.     N.  E.  Hist.  Gen.  Register, 
Vol.  xii.  pp.  355-6. 

t  Magnalia,  Bk.  ii.  p.  17.  J  See  pages  365  and  368. 

§  See  page  398.  ||  See  page  97. 


Ivi  INTRODUCTION. 

been  found  in  his  pocket  after  his  death,*  we  ought  not 
to  complain  that  the  poem  is  among  the  lost  books  of  the 
world.  Having  had  £500  left  to  him  when  he  was  very 
young, f  he  had  always  been  prosperous,  being  the  wealth 
iest  man  in  Roxbury,  where  the  people  were  generally  well- 
to-do.  He  was  the  owner  of  a  large  quantity  of  land,  and 
at  the  time  of  his  death  his  property  was  appraised  at 
£1560.  105.  id.,$  which  was  a  considerable  sum  in  this 
country  at  that  early  date.  He  interested  himself  in  town 
affairs,  and  headed  the  list  of  those  who  entered  into  an 

*  These  verses  are  thus  given  by  Mather  (MAGNALIA,  Bk.  ii.  p.  17.) 
In  the  old  manuscript  life  in  "The  Sutton  Dudleys,"  p.  37,  there  is  a 
somewhat  different  version  :  — 

"  Dim  Eyes,  Deaf  Ears,  Cold  Stomach,  JJicw 
My  Diffblution  is  in  View. 
Eleven  times  Seven  near  liv*d  have  /, 
And  now  God  calls,  I  willing  Die. 
My  Shuttle's  Jhot,  my  Race  is  run, 
My  Sun  is  Jet,  my  Day  is  done. 
My  Span  is  meafur'd,  Tale  is  told, 
My  Flower  is  faded,  and  grown  old. 
My  Dream  is  vani/h'd,  Shadow's  fled, 
My  Soul  with  Chrift,  my  Body  Dead. 
Farewel  Dear  Wife,  Children  and  Friends, 
Hate  Herejte,  make  BleJJed  Ends. 
Bear  Poverty,  live  with  good  Men  ; 
So  Jhall  we  live  with  Joy  agcn. 
Let  Men  of  God  in  Courts  and  Churches  watch 
O're  fuch  as  do  a  Toleration  hatch, 
Left  that  III  Egg  bring  forth  a  Cockatrice, 
To  poifon  all  with  Herejte  and  Vice. 
If  Men  be  left,  and  otherwjfe  Combine, 
My  Epitaph's,  £  Qg'ft  no  ILtberttnc." 

t  "  Sutton-Dudleys,"  p.  24. 

\  Suffolk  Probate  Records,  Lib.  ii.  Fol.  134. 


INTRODUCTION.  lyii 

agreement  in  August,  1645,  to  support  a  free  school  in 
Roxbury.* 

Mrs.  Bradstreet  had  eight  children,  four  sons  and  four 
daughters ;  a  fact  which  she  has  recorded  in  some  fanciful 
verses,  beginning,  — 

"  I  had  eight  birds  hatcht  in  one  neft, 
Four  Cocks  there  were,  and  Hens  the  reft, 
I  nurft  them  up  with  pain  and  care, 
Nor  coft,  nor  labour  did  I  fpare, 
Till  at  the  laft  they  felt  their  wing. 
Mounted  the  Trees,  'and  learn'd  to  fing ;  "  f 

She  goes  on  at  some  length,  carrying  out  the  simile,  and 
describes  their  past  life,  their  condition  at  that  time,  and  her 
solicitude  for  their  future  health  and  happiness.  Prompted 
by  her  love  for  her  children,  she  wrote  out  her  religious 
experiences,  in  a  little  book  in  which  she  also  kept  a 
record,  partly  in  prose  and  partly  in  verse,  of  her  sick 
nesses,  her  religious  feelings,  and  the  most  important  inci 
dents  in  her  life.J  The  earliest  date  in  it  is  July  8,  1656,  § 
but  it  was  undoubtedly  begun  before  that. 

Having  had  from  her  birth  a  very  delicate  constitution, 
prostrated  when  only  sixteen  years  old  by  the  small-pox, 
troubled  at  one  time  with  lameness,  subject  to  frequent 
attacks  of  sickness,  to  fevers,  and  to  fits  of  fainting,  she 
bore  these  numerous  inflictions  with  meekness  and  resig 
nation.  Recognizing  the  inestimable  blessing  of  health, 
she  regarded  it  as  the  reward  of  virtue,  and  looked  upon 

*  History  of  Roxbury  Town,  by  Charles  M.  Ellis.  Boston:  1847, 
p.  37.  Mr.  Ellis  has  given  the  best  sketch  of  Dudley's  life  which  I  have 
seen  (pp.  97-104). 

t  See  page  400.  J  See  pages  2-39.  §  See  page  17. 


Iviii  INTRODUCTION. 

•* 

her  various  maladies  as  tokens  of  the  divine  displeasure 
at  her  thoughtlessness  or  wrong-doing.  She  says  that  her 
religious  belief  was  at  times  shaken ;  but  her  doubts  and 
fears  were  soon  banished,  if,  indeed,  they  were  not  exag 
gerated  in  number  and  importance  by  her  tender  con 
science.  Her  children  were  constantly  in  her  mind.  It 
was  for  them  that  she  committed  to  writing  her  own  re 
ligious  experiences,  her  own  feelings  of  joy  or  sorrow  at 
the  various  changes  which  brightened  or  darkened  her 
life.  Her  most  pointed  similes  are  drawn  from  the  familiar 
incidents  of  domestic  life,  especially  the  bringing-up  of 
children.  From  some  of  these  references  it  would  seem 
as  if  she  had  found  among  her  own  children  the  most 
diverse  traits  of  character ;  that  some  of  them  were  obedi 
ent  and  easily  governed,  while  others  were  unruly  and 
headstrong ;  and  that  she  derived  an  intense  satisfaction 
from  contemplating  the  virtues  of  some,  while  she  deplored 
the  failings  of  others.  Notwithstanding  the  comfort  she 
took  in  her  children,  notwithstanding  the  happiness  of  her 
married  life,  she  continually  dwells  on  the  vanity  of  all 
worldly  delights,  the  shortness  of  life,  and  the  great  ills 
to  which  humanity  is  subject.  She  found,  however,  a 
never-failing  solace  for  all  her  troubles  in  prayer.  "  I 
have  had,"  she  writes,  "great  experience  of  God's  hear 
ing  my  Prayers,  and  returning  comfortable  Anfwers  to 
me,  either  in  granting  ye  Thing  I  prayed  for,  or  elfe," 
she  adds,  with  a  charming  frankness,  "in  fatiffying  my 
mind  without  it."  * 

In  November,  1657,  her  son  Samuel,  her  eldest  child, 
sailed  for  England,  j     He  graduated  at  Harvard  College 

*  See  page  7.  f  See  page  24. 


INTRODUCTION.  IJX 

in  the  year  1653,  but  his  age  is  not  known,  though  at  that 
time  he  could  not  have  been  more  than  twenty.  Mrs. 
Bradstreet  says,  "  It  pleafed  God  to  keep  me  a  long  time 
without  a  child,  which  was  a  great  grief  to  me,  and  coll 
mee  many  prayers  and  tears  before  I  obtaind  one."  * 
Samuel  was, — 

"  The  Son  of  Prayers,  of  vowes,  of  teares, 
The  child  I  ftay'd  for  many  yeares."  f 

and  she  was  very  loth  to  part  with  him,  but  she  committed 
him  at  last  to  the  care  of  Providence,  and  was  rewarded 
by  welcoming  him  home  safe,  in  July,  16614 

Her  husband's  mission  to  England  in  January,  1661-2, 
must  have  been  an  event  of  great  importance  in  her  life. 
Devotedly  attached  to  him  as  she  was,  and  unhappy  when 
separated  from  him  for  even  a  short  time,  the  circumstances 
under  which  he  went  were  such  as  to  make  her  particularly 
anxious  during  his  absence.  The  news  of  the  restoration 
of  Charles  II.  to  the  throne  had  been  somewhat  coldly 
received  by  the  Massachusetts  colonists.  They  were  justly 
apprehensive  that  their  indifference,  if  not  actual  hostility, 
to  his  cause  during  the  Civil  War,  their  severe  treatment 
of  the  Quakers,  and  their  assumption  of  the  powers  of  an 
independent  state,  might  now  be  brought  up  against  them, 
and  result  in  a  serious  diminution  of  the  privileges  they  had 
up  to  that  time  enjoyed.  The  complaints  of  the  Quakers, 
and  the  exertions  of  those  who  had  suffered  by  or  who 
were  disaffected  with  the  Massachusetts  men,  were  so 
violent,  and  met  with  such  success,  that  the  latter  were 
obliged,  by  the  order  of  the  King,  to  send  agents  to  plead 

*  See  page  5.       f  See  page  24.       J  See  page  28. 


Ix  INTRODUCTION. 

their  cause  and  repel  these  attacks  at  Court.  The  unwil 
lingness  of  the  Government  to  send  these  Commissioners 
was  only  equalled  by  the  distaste  of  those  upon  whom  their 
choice  had  fallen  —  Mr.  Bradstreet  and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Nor 
ton  —  for  this  delicate  and  unpleasant  duty.  Mr.  Norton 
was  particularly  disinclined  to  have  any  thing  to  do  with 
the  matter,  but  his  scruples  were  finally  overcome.  Having 
recovered  from  a  severe  attack  of  sickness,  whose  sudden 
approach  delayed  their  departure,  Norton  embarked  with 
Bradstreet  on  the  loth  of  February.  On  the  following 
morning  they  set  sail  for  England,  John  Hull,  the  mint- 
master  of  the  Colony,  being  a  fellow-passenger  with  them. 
They  arrived  in  London  the  last  of  March,  and  were  suc 
cessful  in  their  endeavors, — to  divert  the  anger  of  the  king, 
to  put  a  favorable  construction  on  the  past  acts  of  the  Col 
ony,  and  to  secure  for  it  an  extension  of  the  royal  favor. 
On  the  3d  of  September,  they  returned  in  the  ship  "Society," 
bringing  with  them  a  letter  from  the  King,  in  which  the 
charter  privileges  were  confirmed,  and  all  past  errors  par 
doned.  The  satisfaction  which  this  gave  was  more  than 
counterbalanced  by  the  rest  of  the  letter,  which  enjoined 
a  fuller  establishment  of  the  King's  authority,  and  contained 
other  matter  equally  distasteful  to  the  people.  The  conse 
quence  was,  that  the  two  agents  became  extremely  unpopu 
lar,  and  this  cold  treatment  was  thought  to  have  hastened 
the  death  of  Norton,  who  grew  very  melancholy,  and  died 
on  the  5th  of  the  following  April.  While  they  were  in 
England,  fears  were  entertained  for  their  safety,  and  re 
ports  came  in  private  letters  that  they  had  been  detained, 
and  that  Mr.  Norton  was  in  the  Tower.  And,  according 
to  Sewel,  the  Quaker  historian,  who  gives  no  very  flatter- 


INTRODUCTION.  Ixi 

ing  account  of  their  conduct  in  London,  they  were  really 
in  some  danger.* 

Mrs.  Bradstreet  had  from  time  to  time  been  writing 
under  the  name  of  "Meditations"  some  apothegms,  sug 
gested  mainly  by  the  homely  events  of  her  own  experience. 
This  was  done  at  the  request  of  her  son  Simon,  to  whom 
they  were  dedicated  March  20,  1664.  f  The  "Meditations" 
display  much  more  ability,  much  greater  cultivation  of 
mind,  and  a  deeper  thoughtfulness  than  most  of  her  other 
works.  She  shows  in  them  a  more  correct  taste  than  in 
her  "Poems."  We  must  take  her  word  for  their  originality. 
"  I  have  avoyded,"  she  says,  "  incroaching  upon  others  con 
ceptions  becaufe  I  would  leave  you  nothing  but  myne  owne, 
though  in  value  they  fall  fhort  of  all  in  this  kinde."  And 
again  she  reminds  him  that  "There  is  no  new  thing  vnder  ye 
fun,  there  is  nothing  that  can  be  fayd  or  done,  but  either  that 
or  fomething  like  it  hath  been  both  done  and  fayd  before."  J 

In  July,  1666,  by  the  burning  of  the  house  at  Andover, 
her  papers,  books,  and  many  other  things  of  great  value 
to  her,  were  destroyed.  She  had  intended  to  complete  her 
poetical  account  of  "The  Roman  Monarchy,"  and  had  spent 
much  time  in  preparing  a  continuation  of  it,  but  the  loss  of 
what  she  had  already  finished  made  her  abandon  the  work 
altogether.  §  Her  son  Simon  thus  notices  this  disaster  in 
his  diary,  and  represents  his  father's  loss  as  very  great :  — 

"July.  12.  1666.  Whilft  I  was  at  N.  London  my  fathers  houfe 
at  Andover  was  burnt,  where  I  loft  my  Books,  and  many  of  my 

*  See  pages  32-9.  Hutchinson's  History,  Vol.  i.  pp.  201-5;  Hull's 
Diaries,  Arch.  Amer.,  Vol.  iii.  pp.  153-4,  and  204-8;  History  of  the  Qua 
kers,  by  William  Sewel.  London  :  1725,  pp.  279-80. 

t  See  page  47.  J  See  page  53.  §  See  pages  40  und  329. 


Ixii  INTRODUCTION. 

clothes,  to  the  valeiu  of  50  or  60  ft  at  leaft ;  The  Lord  gaue, 
and  the  Lord  hath  taken,  bleffed  bee  the  Name  of  the  Lord. 
Tho  :  my  own  lofle  of  books  (and  papers  efpec.)  was  great  and 
my  fathers  far  more  being  about  800,  yet  ye  Lord  was  pleafed 
gratioufly  many  wayes  to  make  up  y°  fame  to  us.  It  is  there 
fore  good  to  truft  in  the  Lord." 

There  could  have  been  little  of  variety  to  call  Mrs.  Brad- 
street  aside  from  the  daily  routine  of  her  quiet  country  life. 
Attendance  on  the  frequent  and  long-protracted  religious 
meetings,  and  the  duties  of  her  household,  must  have  occu 
pied  her  time  when  she  was  well.  She  had  evidently 
exposed  herself  to  the  criticism  of  her  neighbors  by  study 
ing  and  writing  so  much.  The  fact  of  a  woman's  being 
able  to  compose  any  thing  possessing  any  literary  merit 
was  regarded  with  the  greatest  surprise  by  her  contempo 
raries,  and  was  particularly  dwelt  upon  by  her  admirers.* 
In  the  "  Prologue  "  she  says  :  — 

"I  am  obnoxious  to  each  carping  tongue 
Who  fays  my  hand  a  needle  better  fits, 
A  Poets  pen  all  fcorn  I  mould  thus  wrong, 
For  fuch  defpite  they  caft  on  Female  wits  : 
If  what  I  do  prove  well,  it  won't  advance, 
They'l  fay  it's  ftoln,  or  elfe  it  was  by  chance."  f 

*  See  pages  83-92.  There  is  a  paragraph  in  Mr.  and  Mrs.  S.  C.  Hall's 
sketch  of  Miss  Hannah  More  (probably  written  by  Mrs.  Hall)  which  shows 
that  public  opinion  changed  quite  slowly  on  this  point. 

"In  this  age,  when  female  talent  is  so  rife, — when,  indeed,  it  is  not 
too  much  to  say  women  have  fully  sustained  their  right  to  equality  with 
men  in  reference  to  all  the  productions  of  the  mind,  —  it  is  difficult  to 
comprehend  the  popularity,  almost  amounting  to  adoration,  with  which 
a  woman  writer  was  regarded  little  m*ore  than  half  a  century  ago.  Medi 
ocrity  was  magnified  into  genius,  and  to  have  printed  a  book,  or  to  have 
written  even  a  tolerable  poem,  was  a  passport  into  the  very  highest  society." 
"Art  Journal."  London  :  1866.  p.  187.  f  See  page  101. 


INTRODUCTION.  Ixiii 

The  forests  were  still  stocked  with  wild  beasts,  and  there 
was  constant  fear  of  assaults  and  depredations  by  the  In 
dians.  She  wandered  in  the  woods,  however,  and  found 
great  pleasure  in  meditating  on  their  ever  winning  charms, 
their  grand  and  quiet  beauty.  By  far  the  best  of  all  her 
"  Poems  "  was  the  result  of  one  of  these  rambles.  It  ap 
peared  for  the  first  time  in  the  second  edition,  under  the 
name  of  "Contemplations."*  She  describes  with  great 
spirit  the  sights  and  sounds  of  the  forest,  the  fields  and 
the  stream,  and  makes  us  wish  that  she  had  done  more 
in  this  style,  for  which  many  of  the  poets  of  her  time  were 
distinguished.  It  was  doubtless  by  the  side  of  the  untamed 
Merrimac,  before  its  rushing  waters  were  made  to  pour 
through  the  immense  structures  which  now  line  its  banks, 
that  she  sat  and  pondered.  The  great  dam  which  now 
spans  the  river  at  Lawrence  is  only  two  miles  from  the 
spot  where  the  first  settlement  of  Andover  was  made,  and 
where  Mrs.  Bradstreet  lived  when  she  wrote,  — 

"  Under  the  cooling  ihadow  of  a  ftately  Elm 

Clofe  fate  I  by  a  goodly  Rivers  fide, 
Where  gliding  ftreams  the  Rocks  did  overwhelm ; 
A  lonely  place,  with  pleafures  dignifi'd."  f 

This  "Poem"  proves  that  she  had  true  poetic  feeling, 
and  shows  to  what  she  could  rise  when  she  was  willing  to 
throw  aside  her  musty  folios  and  read  the  fresh  book  of 
nature. 

"  And  Wisdom's  self  t 

Oft  seeks  to  sweet  retired  solitude,  \ 

Where,  with  her  best  nurse  Contemplation, 
She  plumes  her  feathers,  and  lets  grow  her  wings, 
That  in  the  various  bustle  of  resort, 
Were  ail-to  ruffled,  and  sometimes  impair'd."  J 

*  See  page  370.        f  See  page  377.  t  Milton's  Comus,  375-80- 


Ixiv  INTRODUCTION. 

The  revision  of  her  "  Poems  "  must  have  been  no  small 
undertaking,  and  from  some  of  the  references  in  the  many 
additions  which  she  made,  it  is  evident  that  she  was  en 
gaged  upon  this  work  as  late  at  least  as  1666.  Sympa 
thizing,  as  she  naturally  did,  with  Parliament  and  the 
Puritans,  she  said  much  in  the  first  edition,  written  at  the 
outbreak  of  the  Civil  War,  which  she  felt  obliged  to  omit 
or  modify  to  suit  the  state  of  things  existing  under  the 
Restoration.  Although  she  speaks  of  a  "  BrittiJJi  bruitilh 
Cavaleer,"  and  dignifies  him  with  the  titles  of  "  wretch " 
and  "  monfter,"  yet  she  has  to  come  down  to  calling  Crom 
well  a  "Ufurper."  Indeed,  these  alterations  form  one  of 
the  most  diverting  features  of  the  book.  It  must  be  con 
fessed,  however,  that  she  rather  inclined  from  the  first  to 
be  a  Monarchist,  and  that  her  hatred  of  Papists  admitted 
of  not  the  slightest  compromise. 

She  had  never  set  a  very  great  value  on  the  pleasures 
of  this  world,  and  had  always  been  ready  to  abandon  them 
for  the  joys  which  she  expected  to  find  in  another.  In  the 
last  piece  which  we  have  in  her  writing,  dated  Aug.  31, 
1669,*  she  represents  herself  as  positively  weary  of  life  and 
longing  to  die.  Three  years  after,  her  wish  was  granted, 
and  she  was  released  from  suffering.  Her  son  Simon's  sad 
account  of  her  sickness  and  death  proves  that  it  must  have 
been  in  reality  a  blessing  to  her  :  — 

"  September  16.  1672.  My  ever  honoured  &  most  dear  Mother 
was  tranflated  to  Heaven.  Her  death  was  occalioned  by  a  con- 
fumption  being  wasted  to  fkin  &  bone  &  She  had  an  iflue  made 
in  her  arm  bee :  she  was  much  troubled  with  rheum,  &  one  of 
ye  women  y*  tended  herr  dreffing  her  arm,  f'd  ihee  never  faw 

*  See  pages  42-4. 


INTRODUCTION. 


such  an  arm  in  her  Life,  I,  f  d  my  most  dear  Mother,  but  y*  arm 
fhull  bee  a  Glorious  Arm. 

I  being  abfent  fro  her  lost  the  opportunity  of  comitting  to 
memory  her  pious  &  memorable  xprefsions  vttered  in  her  lick- 
nefle.  O  y*  the  good  Lord  would  give  vnto  me  and  mine  a 
heart  to  walk  in  her  steps,  considering  what  the  end  of  her  Con- 
verfation  was,  y*  fo  wee  might  one  day  haue  a  happy  &  glorious 
greeting." 

Mrs.  Bradstreefs  burial-place  is  unknown.  No  stone 
bearing  her  name  can  be  found  in  the  old  graveyard  at 
Andover,  and  it  is  not  at  all  improbable  that  her  remains 
were  deposited  in  her  father's  tomb  at  Roxbury.  As  no 
portrait  of  her  is  in  existence,  the  reader  will  have  to  con 
template  her  image  in  her  works,  where  she  will  reveal  to 
him  all  the  graces  of  a  loving  mother,  a  devoted  wife,  and 
a  devout  Christian. 

Three  years  after  her  death,  Edward  Phillips,  the  nephew 
of  Milton,  has  this  brief  notice  of  her  in  his  "  Theatrum 
Poetarum  :  "  — 

"  Anne  Bradstreet,  a  New-England  poetess,  no  less  in.  title  ; 
viz.  before  her  Poems,  printed  in  Old-  England  anno  1650  ;  then 
[than]  The  tenth  Muse  sprung  up  in  America;  the  memory  of 
which  poems,  consisting  chiefly  of  Descriptions  of  the  Four  Ele 
ments,  the  Four  Humours;  the  Four  Ages,  the  Four  Seasons, 
and  the  Four  Monarchies,  is  not  yet  wholly  extinct."  * 

Quite  different  from  this  is  the  pompous  eulogy  of  Cotton 
Mather  :  — 

"  But  when  I  mention  the  Poetry  of  this  Gentleman  [Gov. 
Dudley]  as  one  of  his  Accomplifhments,  I  muft  not  leave  unmen- 

*  First  published  in  London  in  1675.  Third  Edition.  Reprinted  by 
Sir  Egerton  Brydges,  Bart.  etc.  Geneva:  1824.  p.  (48).  §  108. 


Ixvi  INTRODUCTION. 

tioned  the  Fame  with  which  the  Poems  of  one  defcended  from 
him  have  been  Celebrated  in  both  Englands.  If  the  rare  Learn 
ing  of  a  Daughter,  was  not  the  leaft  of  thofe  bright  things  that 
adorn'd  no  lefs  a  Judge  of  England  than  Sir  Thomas  More ;  it 
must  now  be  said,  that  a  Judge  of  New  England,  namely,  Thomas 
Dudley,  Esq ;  had  a  Daughter  (beiides  other  Children)  to  be  a 
Crown  unto  him.  Reader,  America  juftly  admires  the  Learned 
Women  of  the  other  Hemifphere.  She  has  heard  of  thofe  that 
were  Tutorejfes  to  the  Old  Profeflbrs  of  all  Philofophy :  She 
hath  heard  of  Hippatia,  who  formerly  taught  the  Liberal  Arts ; 
and  of  Sarocchia,  who  more  lately  was  very  often  the  Modera- 
trix  in  the  Difputations  of  the  Learned  Men  of  Rome:  She  has 
been  told  of  the  Three  Corinnce*s,  which  equall'd,  if  not  ex- 
cell'd,  the  moft  Celebrated  Poets  of  their  Time.  She  has  been 
told  of  the  Emprefs  Eudocia,  who  Compofed  Poetical  Para- 
phrafes  on  Divers  Parts  of  the  Bible  ;  and  of  Rofuida,  who 
wrote  the  Lives  of  Holy  Men  ;  and  of  Pamphilia,  who  wrote 
other  Hiftories  unto  the  Life :  The  Writings  of  the  most  Re 
nowned  Anna  Maria  Schurnian,  have  come  over  unto  her. 
But  fhe  now  prays,  that  into  fuch  Catalogues  of  Author effes, 
as  Beverovicius,  Hottinger,  and  Voetius,  have  given  unto  the 
World,  there  may  be  a  room  now  given  unto  Madam  &nn 
93ratlftt££t,  the  Daughter  of  our  Governour  Dudley,  and  the 
Confort  of  our  Governour  Bradftreet,  whofe  Poems,  divers 
times  Printed,  have  afforded  a  grateful  Entertainment  unto  the 
Ingenious,  and  a  Monument  for  her  Memory  beyond  the  State- 
lieft  Marbles."  * 

Six  years  after  her  death,  in  1678,  the  second  edition 
of  her  "Poems"  was  brought  out  in  Boston,  t  being  one 
of  the  earliest  volumes  of  poems  printed  in  America.  It 
was  the  work  of  John  Foster, "who  had  set  up  a  press  in 

*  Magnalia,  Bk.  ii.  p.  17. 

t  See  pages  v,  vii-viii,  Si  et  seq. 


INTRODUCTION.  Lxvii 

Boston  in  1675  or  '76,  and  who  issued  the  first  book  ever 
printed  in  that  town.* 

Of  Mrs.  Bradstreet's  eight  children,!  all  but  one,  Dorothy, 

*  Thomas's  History  of  Printing,  Vol.  i.  p.  275 ;    History  of  Dorchester, 
Mass.,  pp.  244  and  493. 
f  They  were,  — 

1.  Samuel;  graduated  at  Harvard  College  in  1653.     He  went  to  Eng 
land  in  November,  1657,  and  returned  in  July,  1661.     He  was  a  fellow  of 
Harvard  College,  and  represented  Andover  in  the  General  Court  in  1670. 
He  practised  as  a  physician   in  Boston  for  many  years,  but  afterwards 
removed  to  the  island  of  Jamaica,  where  he  died  in  August,  1682.     He  was 
twice  married ;  first  to  Mercy,  daughter  of  William  Tyng,  by  whom  he  had 
five  children,  only  one  of  whom  survived  him.     He  had  three  children, 
who  were  living  with  their  grandfather,  Governor  Bradstreet,  at  the  time 
of  the  latter's  death,  by  a  second  wife,  whose  name  is   unknown.     N.  E. 
Hist.  Gen.  Register,  Vol.  viii.  pp.  312-14;  Vol.  ix.  pp.   113-4;  Governor 
Bradstreet's  will,  Suffolk  Probate  Records,  Lib.  xi.  Fol.  276. 

2.  Dorothy;  married  the  Rev.  Seaborn  Cotton,  eldest  son  of  the  Rev. 
John  Cotton,  of  Boston,  June  25,  1654.     She  had  nine  children,  and  died 
Feb.  26,  1672.     Her  husband  was  ordained  pastor  of  the  church  at  Hamp 
ton,  N.H.,  May  4,  1659,  and  died  April  19,  1686,  at  the  age  of  fifty-two, 
having  survived  her  and  married  again.     N.  E.  Hist.  Gen.  Register,  Vol.  i. 
PP-  325-6;  Vol.  viii.  p.  321 ;  Vol.  ix.  p.  114;  Hull's  Diaries,  pp.  187-8. 

3.  Sarah ;  married  Richard  Hubbard,  of  Ipswich,  brother  of  the  Rev. 
William  Hubbard,  the  historian.     She  had  five  children  by  him.     He  died 
May  3,  1681,  and  she  afterwards  married  Major  Samuel  Ward,  of  Marble- 
head.     N.  E.  Hist.  Gen.  Register,  Vol.  viii.  p.  323 ;  Felt's  Ipswich,  p.  164; 
Essex  Institute  Collections,  Vol.  iii.  p.  66;  Vol.  iv.  pp.  66,  71 ;  Vol.  v.  pp. 

92-3- 

4.  Simon ;  was  born  at  Ipswich,  Sept.  28,  1640,  and  graduated  at  Har 
vard  College  in  1660.     He  went  to  New  London,  Connecticut,  to  preach  in 
May,  1666,  and  was  ordained  pastor  of  the  church  there  Oct.  5,  1670.     He 
was  married  Oct.  2,  1667,  at  Newbury,  by  his  uncle,  Major-General  Daniel 
Denison,   to   his   cousin   Lucy,   daughter  of  the  Rev.  John  Woodbridge. 
They  had  five  children.      He   died   in    the  fall  of  1683.       His   own    MS. 
Diary;    Caulkins's   History  of  New  London,  passim-,    N.   E.   Hist.   Gen. 
Register,  Vol.  viii.  pp.  316-17,  and  378;  Vol.  ix.  pp.  117-18. 

5.  Hannah;  married  Andrew  Wiggin,  of  Exeter,  N.IL,  June  14,  1659, 


Ixviii  INTRODUCTION. 

were  living  at  the  time  of  her  death.  Her  descendants 
have  been  very  numerous,  and  many  of  them  have  more 
than  made  up  by  the  excellence  of  their  writings  for 
whatever  beauty  or  spirit  hers  may  have  lacked.  Her 
grandson,  the  Rev.  Simon  Bradstreet,  of  Charlestown, 
son  of  the  Rev.  Simon  of  New  London,  Conn.,  although 
very  eccentric,  was  one  of  the  most  learned  men  of  his 

and  died  in  1707.  She  had  five  sons  and  five  daughters.  N.  E.  Hist.  Gen. 
Register,  Vol.  viii.  pp.  167  and  324;  Vol.  5x.  p.  143. 

6.  Mercy;  married  Major  Nathaniel  Wade,  of  Medford,  Oct.  31,  1672. 
She  died  Oct.  5,  1715,  in  her  sixty-eighth  year.     She  had  eight  children. 
N.  E.  Gen.  Hist.  Register,  Vol.  iii.  p.  66;  Vol.  viii.  p.  324;  Vol.  ix.  p.  121 ; 
Brooks's  History  of  Medford,  p.  558;  Essex  Institute  Collections,  Vol.  iv. 
pp.  68-69;  Felt's  Ipswich,  p.  153. 

7.  Dudley;  was  born  in  1648,  and  married  Ann  Wood,  widow  of  Theo 
dore  Price,  Nov.  12,  1673.     He  resided  in  Andover,  which  town  he  repre 
sented  in  the  General  Court,  besides  holding  many  municipal  offices  in  its 
gift.      He  was  one  of  the  Council  of  Safety  between   1689  and  1692,  was 
a  colonel  in  the   militia,  and  for  many  years   a  magistrate.     During  the 
witchcraft  delusion  in  1692,  he  granted  thirty  or  forty  warrants  for  the  ap 
prehension  and  imprisonment  of  the  supposed  witches;  but,  refusing  after 
wards  to  grant  any  more,  he  himself  fell  a  victim  to  the  same  charge,  and 
was  obliged  for  a  time  to  secrete  himself.     At  the  time  of  the  attack  of  the 
Indians  on  Andover  in  1698,  he  and  his  family  were  made  prisoners,  but 
immediately  afterwards  released.     He  died  Nov.  13,  1702,  having  won  the 
respect  and  confidence  of  his  fellow-townsmen.     He  had  three  children. 
Abbot's  Andover,  pp.  18-19,  133,  154  et  seq. ;  N.  E.  Hist.  Gen.  Register, 
Vol.  iii.  p.  66;  Vol.  viii.  p.  320;   Savage's  Genealogical  Dictionary,  Vol.  i. 
p.  235 ;  Butler's  History  of  Groton,  pp.  165-70. 

8.  John ;  was  born  in  Andover,  July  22,  1652,  and  resided  in  Topsfield. 
He  married  Sarah,  daughter  of  the  Rev.  William  Perkins  of  that  town, 
June  n,  1677.     He  died  at  Topsfield,  Jan.  n,  1718.     He  had  five  children, 
and  perhaps  more.     N.  E.  Hist.  Gen.  Register,  Vol.  viii.  pp.  320-21 ;  Vol. 
ix.  p.  120;  "  Sutton-Dudleys,"  p.  101.  * 

In  her  poem  "  In  reference  to  her  Children"  (p.  401),  Mrs.  Bradstreet 
speaks  of  her  fift'i  child  as  being  a  son.  This  must  be  a  misprint  for 
seventh,  as  a  comparison  of  the  above  dates  will  show. 


INTRODUCTION.  Lxix 

day.*  Among  her  descendants  may  be  counted  the  cele 
brated  divine,  Dr.  Wm.  E.  Channing ;  the  Rev.  Joseph 
Buckminster,  of  Portsmouth,  N.H.,  his  accomplished  son, 
the  Rev.  J.  S.  Buckminster,  and  his  daughter,  Mrs.  Eliza 
B.  Lee,  who  has  so  gracefully  recorded  her  father's  and  her 
brother's  lives ;  Mr.  Richard  H.  Dana,  the  poet,  and  his 
son,  the  Hon.  R.  H.  Dana,  Jr.,  eminent  as  a  man  of  letters, 
a  lawyer,  and  a  jurist;  Dr.  Oliver  Wendell  Holmes,  the 
poet  and  humorist;  Mr.  Wendell  Phillips,  the  orator;  and 
Mrs.  Eliza  G.  Thornton,  of  Saco,  Maine,  whose  verses  were 
once  highly  esteemed,  f 

After  Mrs.  Bradstreet's  death,  her  husband  married, 
June  6,  1676,  the  widow  of  Captain  Joseph  Gardner,  of 
Salem,  who  was  killed  in  the  storming  of  the  Narragansett 
fort  in  December,  1675.  She  was  a  daughter  of  Emanuel 
Downing,  and  sister  of  Sir  George  Downing,  Bart.,  who 
graduated  in  the  first  class  of  Harvard  College,  and  became 
afterwards  Ambassador  from  Cromwell  and  Charles  II. 
successively  at  the  Hague.  She  was  born  in  London,  but 
came  to  New  England  when  very  young.  Her  step-son 
Simon  describes  her  as  "a  Gentl.  of  very  good  birth  & 
education,  and  of  great  piety  &  prudence."  J 

*  Budington,  pp.  in-i6  and  125;  Sprague's  Annals,  Vol.  i.  pp.  241-43; 
Mass.  Hist.  Coll.  Vol.  viii.  p.  75  ;  Vol.  x.  p.  170 ;  Caulkins's  New  London,  p.  193. 

t  See  the  "Pedigree  of  Bradstreet,"  in  Drake's  folio  History  of  Boston, 
and  the  "Descendants  of  Governor  Bradstreet,"  in  N.  E.  Hist.  Gen.  Register, 
Vol:  viii.  pp.  312-25,  and  Vol.  ix.  pp.  1 13-21.  A  book  was  published  in  Lon 
don  in  1858,  with  the  title  of  "  Six  Legends  of  King  Golden-Star,  a  poem  by 
Anna  Bradstreet."  Whether  this  lady  is  a  descendant  or  not  I  cannot  say. 

J  MS.  Diary. 

She  died  at  Salem,  April  19,  1713,  leaving  no  children  by  either  husband. 
N.  E.  Hist.  Gen.  Register,  Vol.  xii.  p.  219.  Her  will,  with  notes,  is  printed 
in  the  Essex  Institute  Collections,  Vol.  iv.  pp.  185-90. 

i 


1XX  INTRODUCTION. 

Upon  the  death  of  Mr.  Symonds,  in  October,  1678,  Mr. 
Bradstreet  succeeded  him  as  Deputy-Governor,  and  the 
Governor  himself,  John  Leverett,  dying  in  the  following 
March,  he  was  elected  Governor  in  May,  1679,  being  then 
about  seventy-six  years  of  age.*  He  continued  to  be  Gov 
ernor  until  the  dissolution  of  the  Charter  and  the  establish 
ment  of  the  Provisional  Government  in  May,  1686,  under 
his  brother-in-law,  Joseph  Dudley,  as  President,  f  Governor 
Bradstreet  and  his  son,  Dudley  Bradstreet,  were  named  as 
Counsellors  in  the  royal  commission,  but  they  both  refused 
to  act.  J  On  the  2Oth  of  December  of  that  year,  Sir  Ed 
mund  Andros  landed  in  Boston,  and  on  the  same  day  his 
commission  was  read  as  "  Governor  in  Chief  in  and  over 
the  territory  and  dominion  of  New  England."  §  After  a 
little  more  than  two  years  of  oppression  under  his  admin 
istration,  on  the  receipt  of  the  news  of  the  landing  of  the 
Prince  of  Orange  in  England,  there  was  a  rising  in  Boston 
in  April,  1689.  On  the  morning  of  the  i8th,  the  Royal 
Governor  and  his  adherents  were  made  prisoners,  and  the 
officers  who  had  been  elected  under  the  charter  in  1686, 
with  the  venerable  Bradstreet  at  their  head,  were  called 
upon  to  act  as  a  "  Council  of  Safety."  On  the  assembling 
of  the  representatives  of  the  towns  a  month  later,  he  was 
confirmed  in  his  position,  and  acted  as  Governor  under  the 
temporary  re-establishment  of  the  old  charter  government 
until  the  i/fth  of  May,  1692.  On  that  day  Sir  William 
Phipps  arrived  in  Boston  with  the  new  charter  and  a  com 
mission  as  Governor  of  the  Province  of  the  Massachusetts 

*  Mass.    Colony  Records,  Vol.  v.   pp.   209-10:    Hutchinson's    History, 

Vol.  i.  p.  291. 

t  Hutchinson's  History,  Vol.  i.  pp.  306-8. 

J  Ibid.,  p.  314,  note.  §  Ibid  ,  p.  316. 


INTRODUCTION. 


Bay.  Thereupon  Governor  Bradstreet,  whose  name  was 
the  first  on  the  list  of  Counsellors  appointed  by  the  New 
Charter,  resigned  his  office  to  him.* 

He  died  at  Salem,  March  27,  1697,  at  the  age  of  ninety- 
four,  thus  closing  a  long,  exemplary,  and  honorable  life, 
sixty  years  of  which  had  been  devoted  to  constant  and 
faithful  public  service,  f 

*  Hutchinson's  History,  Vol.  i.  pp.  332-415;  Vol.  ii.  pp.  19,  20;  Palfrey's 
History  of  New  England.  Vol.  iii.  pp.  574-98;  Ancient  Charters,  p.  27. 

t  He  was  buried  in  Salem,  where  his  tomb  is  still  to  be  seen  in  the  old 
Charter  Street  burying-ground.  The  inscription  on  the  horizontal  slab 
which  covers  it  is  now  totally  obliterated.  His  epitaph,  however,  was 
preserved  by  some  antiquary  in  the  following  communication  to  "  The 
Boston  Chronicle"  for  March  7-14,  1768  (p.  119)  :  — 

"  By  giving  the  inclofed  a  place  in  your  Chronicle,  it  being  now  fcarce 
legible  on  the  monument,  you'll  oblige  a  number  of  your  friends,  who 
think  it  worth  prelerving. 

Infcription  ufon  Governor  BRADSTREET'S  Tomb  Stone,  in  Salem. 

"  SIMON  BRADSTREET.  Armiger  ex  Ordine  Senatorio  in  Colonia 
MaflTachufettenfi  ab  Anno  1630  ufq;  ad  Annum  1673  Deinde  ad  Annum 
1679  Vice  Gubernator  Deniq;  ad  Annum  1686  ejufdem  Colonise  Communi 
&  Conftanti  Populi  Suffragio  Gubernator  Vir  Judicis  Lynceato  prseditus 
Quern  nee  Minas  nee  Honos  allexit  Regis  Authoritatem  &  Populi  Liberta- 
tem  sequa  Lance  libravit  Religione  Cordatus  Via  innocuus  Mundum  et 
vicit  et  deferuit  Die  XXVII.  Marcij  Anno  Dom  :  MDCXCVII  Annoq;  R. 
R's  Gullielmi  tertii  IX.  et  ^Etatis  fuae  XCIV." 

Mr.  Robert  Peele,  of  Salem,  has  a  copy  of  this  paper,  with  this  marginal 
note  in  the  handwriting  of  the  old  loyalist,  Sam.  Curwen,  whose  Journal 
and  Letters  were  so  ably  edited  by  the  late  Mr.  Geo.  A.  Ward  :  — 

"  Ben  son  of  Co1  B.  Pickman  sold  ye  tomb,  being  claimed  by  him  for  a 
small  expence  his  father  was  at  in  repairing  it  ab*  ye  yr  1793  or  1794  to  one 
Daniel  Hathorne  who  now  holds  it." 

I  am  told  that  the  tomb  was  accordingly  cleaned  out,  and  the  remains 
of  the  honored  Governor  and  his  family  thrown  into  a  hole  not  far  off. 


CONTENTS. 


iEiperfences  ant)  ©ccastonal  Pieces. 

PAGE 

Religious  Experiences 3 

Occasional  Meditations i  r 

Deliverance  from  a  Fever 12 

Deliverance  from  a  Fit  of  Sickness 13 

Deliverance  from  a  Fit  of  Fainting i^ 

Meditations  on  Spiritual  Consolations 16 

Submission  and  Reliance  on  God,  July  8,  1656 17 

Verses  ;  Praise  of  God 17 

Verses;  Joy  in  God 18 

After  much  Sickness,  August  28,  1656 20 

After  Sickness  and  Weakness,  May  n,  1657 21 

Verses,  May  13,  1657 .  22 

Submission  to  Chastisement  from  God,  Sept.  30,  1657       .     .  23 

Poem  upon  her  son  Samuel's  going  to  England,  Nov.  6,  1657  24 

Divine  Dealings,  May  n,  1661 25 

Verses  ;  Thankfulness  for  Health 26 

On  the  Restoration  of  her  Husband  from  an  Ague,  June,  1661  27 

Upon  her  daughter,  Hannah  Wiggin's  recovery  from  a  Fever  28 

On  her  son  Samuel's  return  from  England,  July  17,  1661  .     .  28 

On  her  Husband's  going  to  England,  Jan.  16,  1661-62       .     .  32 

In  her  solitary  hours  in  her  Husband's  absence 34 


IXXIV  CONTENTS. 

PAGE 

In  acknowledgment  of  the  letters  received  from  her  Hus 

band  in  England  .............  37 

In  thankful  remembrance  of  her  Husband's  safe  arrival 

home,  Sept.  3,  1662  ...........  38 

Verses  upon  the  burning  of  her  house,  July  10,  1666    ...  40 

Verses;  Longing  for  Heaven,  Aug.  31,  1669  ......  42 

fKrtu'tationg,  TOine  anfc  fHaral. 

Dedication  of  the  Meditations  to  her  son,  Simon  Bradstreet, 

March  20,  1664      .............  47 

Meditations    ...........     ......  48 

Latin  Translation  of  the   Dedication  of  the  Meditations  by 

her  great-grandson,  Simon  Bradstreet       .....  74 

Latin  Translation  of  the  first  four  Meditations  by  the  same    .  75 


Fac-simile  of  Title-Page  of  First  Edition    .     .     .     ,     .     .     .  79 

Fac-simile  of  Title-Page  of  Second  Edition     ......  81 

Address  to  the  Reader      .............  83 

Commendatory  Verses  by  N.  Ward  .........  85 

„                    „        „  I.[ohn]  W.[oodbridge]     ....  86 

,,                     ,,        ,,  B.[enjamin]  W.[oodbridge]      .     .  89 

„  C.  B  ........     ...  90 

„  R-  Q:     ........  '.      9on. 

N.  H  .........     .     .  91 

C.  B  ...........  92 

H.  S  ...........  92 

Anagrams  of  the  Author's  name   ..........  92 

Commendatory  Verses  by  J.  Rogers  .     .     .......  93 

Dedication  to  her  father,  Thomas  Dudley,  Esq.,  March  20, 

'642    •     •   •  ...............  97 

The  Prologue                                                                                        .  100 


„ 


„ 

,,  ,,       ,, 

„ 


CONTENTS.  IXXV 

PAGE 

THE  FOUR  ELEMENTS I0? 

104 

Earth I09 

Water II4 

Air 119 


THE  FOUR  HUMOURS  IN  MAN'S  CONSTITUTION  .     .     .    '.     123 

Choler 124 

Blood 129 

Melancholy 136 

Phlegm      .     . .141 


THE  FOUR  AGES  OF  MAN 147 

Childhood 149 

Youth . 152 

Middle  Age 156 

Old  Age  161 


THE  FOUR  SEASONS  OF  THE  YEAR 168 

Spring  .     .     .     .    .1 1 68 

Summer    .     .-..'.     «     .     . 172 

Autumn 176 

Winter.     .     .     .     ...     „     . 178 

An  Apology 180 

THE  FOUR  MONARCHIES 181 

The  Assyrian *     .     .  181 

The,  Persian .     .'     .  208 

The  Grecian 251 

An  Explanation 322 

The  Roman • 323 

An  Apology  .  328 


CONTENTS. 


Dialogue  between  Old  England  and  New  ;  concerning  their 

present  troubles,  Anno,  1642       ........  330 

Elegy  upon  Sir  Philip  Sidney      ..........  344 

In  Honour  of  Du  Bartas,  1641     ..........  353 

In  Honour  of  Queen  Elizabeth    ..........  357 

David's  Lamentation  for  Saul  and  Jonathan  ......  363 

To  the  Memory  of  her  Father,  Thomas  Dudley,  Esq.      .  •  .  365 

Epitaph  on  her  Mother,  Mrs.  Dorothy  Dudley   .....  369 

Contemplations      ...............  370 

The  Flesh  and  the  Spirit     ............  381 

The  Vanity  of  all  Worldly  Things    .........  386 

The  Author  to  her  Book      ............  089 


Upon  a  Fit  of  Sickness,  Anno.  1632.     ^Etatis  suce,  19  .     .  391 

Upon  some  Distemper  of  Body   ..........  392 

Before  the  Birth  of  one  of  her  Children    .     .     .....  393 

Verses  to  her  Husband  .............  394 

Letter  to  her  Husband,  absent  upon  Public  Employment      .  394 

Another     ................  395 

Another      ................  397 

To  her  Father  with  some  Verses       .........  398 

In  Reference  to  her  Children,  June  23,  1656  ......  400 

In  Memory  of  her  grand-child  Elizabeth  Bradstreet    .     .     .  404 

,,              ,,            ,,          ,,     Anne  Bradstreet       ....  405 

,,     Simon  Bradstreet     ....  406 

daughter-in  law  Mrs.  Mercy  Bradstreet   .  407 

A  Funeral  Elegy  upon  the  Author  by  the  Rev.  John  Norton  409 


INDEX 415 


11  11  11 

11  11 


RELIGIOUS     EXPERIENCES 


AND 


OCCx\SIONAL    PIECES. 


ALL  that  is  included  under  the  title  u  RELIGIOUS  EXPERIENCES 
AND  OCCASIONAL  PIECES,"  with  the  exception  of  the  verses 
beginning  "As  weary  pilgrim  now  at  reft,"  is  printed  from  a 
manuscript  copy  in  the  handwriting  of  Mrs.  Bradstreet's  son, 
the  Rev.  SIMON  BRADSTREET,  of  New  London,  Connecticut. 
The  following  note  is  prefixed  by  him:  "A  true  copy  of  a 
Book  left  by  my  hon'd  &  dear  mother*  to  her  children  &  found 
among  fome  papers  after  her  Death." 


To  my  Dear  Children, 


THIS  Book  by  Any  yet  vnread, 
I  leaue  for  yov  when  I  am  dead, 
That,  being  gone,  here  yov  may  find 
What  was  your  liueing  mother's  mind. 
Make  vfe  of  what  I  leaue  in  Loue 
And  God  fhall  blefie  yov  from  above. 

A.  B. 

MY  DEAR  CHILDREN, — 

KNOWING  by  experience  that  the  ex 
hortations  of  parents  take  moil  effe6t 
when  the  speakers  leaue  to  fpeak,  and 
thofe  efpecially  fink  deepelt  which  are 
fpoke  lateft — and  being  ignorant  whether  on  my 
death  bed  I  fhall  haue  opportunity  to  fpeak  to  any  of 
yov,  much  leffe  to  All  —  thought  it  the  befl,  whilft  I 
was  able  to  compofe  fome  fhort  matters,  (for  what 
elfe  to  call  them  I  know  not)  and  bequeath  to  yov, 
that  when  I  am  no  more  with  yov,  yet  I  may  bee 


4  Anne  Bradftreefs   Works. 

daylv  in  your  remembrance,  (Although  that  is  the 
leaft  in  my  aim  in  what  I  now  doe)  but  that  yov 
may  gain  fome  fpiritual  Advantage  by  my  experi 
ence.  I  haue  not  ftudyed  in  this  yov  read  to  mow  my 
{kill,  but  to  declare  the  Truth — not  to  fett  forth  my- 
felf,  but  the  Glory  of  God.  If  I  had  minded  the  former, 
it  had  been  perhaps  better  pleafing  to  yov,  —  but  feing 
the  laft  is  the  beft,  let  it  bee  beft  pleafing  to  yov. 

The  method  I  will  obferve  mail  bee  this  —  I  will 
begin  wTith  God's  dealing  with  me  from  my  childhood 
to  this  Day.  In  my  yovng  years,  about  6  or  7  as  I 
take  it,  I  began. to  make  confcience  of  my  wayes,  and 
what  I  knew  was  finfull,  as  lying,  difobedience  to  Pa 
rents,  &c.  I  avoided  it.  If  at  any  time  I  was  over 
taken  with  the  like  evills,  it  was  a  great  Trouble.  I 
could  not  be  at  reft  'till  by  prayer  I  had  confeft  it  vnto 
God.  I  was  alfo  troubled  at  the  neglect  of  Private 
Dutyes,  tho:  too  often  tardy  that  way.  I  alfo  fovnd 
much  comfort  in  reading  the  Scriptures,  efpecially 
thofe  places  I  thought  moft  concerned  my  Condition, 
and  as  I  grew  to  haue  more  vnderftanding,  fo  the 
more  folace  I  took  in  them. 

In  a  long  fitt  of  ficknes  which  I  had  on  my  bed 
I  often  commvned  with  my  heart,  and  made  my  fup- 
plication  to  the  moft  High  who  fett  me  free  from 
that  affliction. 

But  as  I  grew  vp  to  bee*  about  14  or  15  I  fovnd 
my  heart  more  carnall,  and  fitting  loofe  from  God, 
vanity  and  the  follyes  of  youth  take  hold  of  me. 


Religious  Experiences.  5 

About  1 6,  the  Lord  layd  his  hand  fore  vpon  me 
and  fmott  mee  with  the  fmall  pox.  When  I  was  in 
my  affliction,  I  befovght  the  Lord,  and  confefled  my 
Pride  and  Vanity  and  he  was  entreated  of  me,  and 
asrain  reftored  me.  But  I  rendered  not  to  him  accord- 

o 

ing  to  the  benefitt  received. 

After  a  fhort  time  I  changed  my  condition  and  was 
marryed,  and  came  into  this  Covntry,  where  I  fovnd 
a  new  world  and  new  manners,  at  which  my  heart 
rofe.  But  after  I  was  convinced  it  was  the  way  of 
God,  I  fubmitted  to  it  and  joined  to  the  church  at 
Boflon.* 

After  fome  time  I  fell  into  a  lingering  ficknes  like 
a  confvmption,  together  with  a  lamenerTe,  which  cor 
rection  I  faw  the  Lord  fent  to  humble  and  try  me 
and  doe  mee  Good  :  and  it  was  not  altogether  in- 
effeauall. 

It  pleafed  God  to  keep  me  a  long  time  without  a 
child,  which  was  a  great  greif  to  me,  and  coft  mee 
many  prayers  and  tears  before  I  obtaind  one,  and 
after  himf  gave  mee  many  more,  of  whom  I  now 
take  the  care,  that  as  I  have  brovght  yov  into  the 
world,  and  with  great  paines,  weaknes,  cares,  and 
feares  brovght  yov  to  this,  I  now  travail  in  birth 
again  of  yov  till  Chrift  bee  formed  in  yov. 

Among  all  my  experiences  of  God's  gratious  Deal 
ings  with  me  I  haue  conftantly  obferved  this,  that  he 
hath  never  fuffered  me  long  to  iitt  loofe  from  him, 

*  See  Introduction.  f  See  page  24. 


6  Anne  Bradftreefs   Works. 

but  by  one  affliction  or  other  hath  made  me  look 
home,  and  fearch  what  was  amifTe  —  fo  vfually  thvs 
it  hath  been  with  me  that  I  haue  no  fooner  felt  my 
heart  out  of  order,  but  I  haue  expected  correction 
for  it,  which  moft  commonly  hath  been  vpon  my  own 
perfon,  in  ficknefle,  weaknes,  paines,  fometimes  on 
my  foul,  in  Doubts  and  feares  of  God's  difpleafure,  and 
my  fincerity  towards  him,  fometimes  he  hath  fmott 
a  child  with  iicknes,  fometimes  charTtened  by  lofles 
in  eftate,  —  and  thefe  Times  (thro:  his  great  mercy) 
haue  been  the  times  of  my  greateft  Getting  and  Ad 
vantage,  yea  I  haue  fovnd  them  the  Times  when  the 
Lord  hath  manifefted  the  moft  Love  to  me.  Then 
haue  I  gone  to  fearching,  and  haue  faid  with  David, 
Lord  fearch  me  and  try  me,  fee  what  wayes  of 
wickednes  are  in  me,  and  lead  me  in  the  way  ever- 
lafting  :  and  feldome  or  never  but  I  haue  fovnd  either 
fome  fin  I  lay  vnder  which  God  would  haue  re 
formed,  or  fome  duty  neglected  which  he  would  haue 
performed.  And  by  his  help  I  haue  layd  Vowes  and 
Bonds  vpon  my  Soul  to  perform  his  righteous  com 
mands. 

If  at  any  time  yov  are  chaftened  of  God,  take  it  as 
thankfully  and  Joyfully  as  in  greateft  mercyes,  for  if 
yee  bee  his  yee  mail  reap  the  greateft  benentt  by  it. 
It  hath  been  no  fmall  fupport  to  me  in  times  of 
Darknes  when  the  Almighty  hath  hid  his  face  from 
me,  that  yet  I  haue  had  abundance  of  fweetnes  and 
refrefhment  after  affliction,  and  more  circumfpection 


Religious  Experiences.  7 

in  my  walking  after  I  haue  been  afflicted.  I  haue  been 
with  God  like  an  vntoward  child,  that  no  longer  then 
the  rod  has  been  on  my  back  (or  at  leafl  in  fight) 
but  I  haue  been  apt  to  forgett  him  and  myfelf  too. 
Before  I  was  afflicted  I  went  aftray,  but  now  I  keep 
thy  ilatutes. 

I  haue  had  great  experience  of  God's  hearing  my 
Prayers,  and  returning  comfortable  Anfwers  to  me, 
either  in  granting  the  Thing  I  prayed  for,  or  elfe  in 
fatiffying  my  mind  without  it;  and  I  haue  been  con 
fident  it  hath  been  from  him,  becavfe  I  have  fovnd 
my  heart  through  his  goodnes  enlarged  in  Thank- 
fullnes  to  him. 

I  haue  often  been  perplexed  that  I  haue  not  found 
that  conftant  Joy  in  my  Pilgrimage  and  refrefhing 
which  I  fuppofed  moil  of  the  fervants  of  God  haue  ; 
althovgh  he  hath  not  left  me  altogether  without  the 
wittnes  of  his  holy  fpirit,  who  hath  oft  given  mee  his 
word  and  fett  to  his  Seal  that  it  mail  bee  well  with 
me.  I  haue  fomtimes  tafbed  of  that  hidden  Manna 
that  the  world  knowes  not,  and  haue  fett  vp  my 
Ebenezer,  and  haue  refolved  with  myfelf  that  againft 
fvch  a  promis,  fvch  tafts  of  fweetnes,  the  Gates  of 
Hell  mall  never  prevail.  Yet  haue  I  many  Times 
linkings  and  droopings,  and  not  enjoyed  that  felicity 
that  fomtimes  I  haue  done.  But  when  I  haue  been 
in  darknes  and  feen  no  light,  yet  haue  I  defired  to 
flay  my  felf  upon  the  Lord. 

And,  when  I  haue  been  in  iicknes  and  pain,  I  haue 


8  Anne  Bradftree^s   Works. 

thovght  if  the  Lord  would  but  lift  vp  the  light  of  his 
Covntenance  vpon  me,  altho:  he  grovnd  me  to 
powder,  it  would  bee  but  light  to  me;  yea,  oft  haue 
I  thovght  were  it  hell  itfelf,  and  could  there  find 
the  Love  of  God  toward  me,  it  would  bee  a  Heaven. 
And,  could  I  haue  been  in  Heaven  without  the  Love 
of  God,  it  would  haue  been  a  Hell  to  me;  for,  in 
Truth,  it  is  the  abfence  and  prefence  of  God  that 
makes  Heaven  or  Hell. 

Many  times  hath  Satan  troubled  me  concerning 
the  verity  of  the  fcriptures,  many  times  by  Atheifme 
how  I  could  know  whether  there  was  a  God;  I  never 
faw  any  miracles  to  confirm  me,  and  thofe  which  I 
read  of  how  did  I  know  but  they  were  feigned.  That 
there  is  a  God  my  Reafon  would  foon  tell  me  by 
the  wondrous  workes  that  I  fee,  the  vail  frame  of  the 
Heaven  and  the  Earth,  the  order  of  all  things,  night 
and  day,  Summer  and  Winter,  Spring  and  Autvmne, 
the  dayly  providing  for  this  great  hovfhold  vpon  the 
Earth,  the  preferving  and  directing  of  All  to  its  proper 
end.  The  confideration  of  thefe  things  would  with 
amazement  certainly  refolve  me  that  there  is  an  Eter- 
nall  Being. 

But  how  fhould  I  know  he  is  fuch  a  God  as  I 
worfhip  in  Trinity,  and  fuch  a  Saviour  as  I  rely  upon  ? 
tho:  this  hath  thovfands  ^of  Times  been  fvggefbed 
to  mee,  yet  God  hath  helped  me  over.  I  haue  argved 
thvs  with  myfelf.  That  there  is  a  God  I  fee.  If  ever 
this  God  hath  revealed  himfelf,  it  mvft  bee  in  his 


Religious  Experiences.  9 

word,  and  this  mvfh  bee  it  or  none.  Haue  I  not 
fovnd  that  operation  by  it  that  no  humane  Invention 
can  work  vpon  the  Soul  ?  hath  not  Judgments  befallen 
Diverfe  who  haue  f corned  and  contemd  it?  hath 
it  '  not  been  preferved  thro :  All  Ages  maugre  all 
the  heathen  Tyrants  and  all  of  the  enemyes  who 
haue  oppofed  it  ?  Is  there  any  ftory  but  that  which 
Ihowes  the  beginnings  of  Times,  and  how  the 
world  came  to  bee  as  wee  fee?  Doe  wee  not  know 
the  prophecyes  in  it  fullfilled  which  could  not  haue 
been  fo  long  foretold  by  any  but  God  himfelf  ? 

When  I  haue  gott  over  this  Block,  then  haue  I  an 
other  pvtt  in  my  way,  That  admitt  this  bee  the  trve 
God  whom  wee  worfhip,  and  that  bee  his  word,  yet 
why  may  not  the  Popifh  Religion  bee  the  right? 
They  haue  the  fame  God,  the  fame  Chrift,  the  fame 
word :  they  only  enterprett  it  one  way,  wee  another. 

This  hath  fomtimes  ftuck  with  me,  and  more  it 
would,  but  the  vain  fooleries  that  are  in  their  Reli 
gion,  together  with  their  lying  miracles  and  cruell 
perfecutions  of  the  Saints,  which  admitt  were  they 
as  they  terme  them,  yet  not  fo  to  bee  dealt  with- 
all. 

The  confideration  of  thefe  things  and  many  the  like 
would  foon  turn  me  to  my  own  Religion  again. 

But  fome  new  Troubles  I  haue  had  lince  the  world 
has  been  filled  with  Blafphemy,  and  Sectaries,  and  fome 
who  haue  been  accounted  fincere  Ghriflians  haue  been 
carrved  awav  with  them,  that  fomtimes  I  haue  faid, 


io  Anne  Bradftreefs    Works. 

Is  there  fFaith  vpon  the  earth  ?  and  I  haue  not  known 
what  to  think.  But  then  I  haue  remembred  the 
words  of  Chrift  that  fo  it  muft  bee,  and  that,  if  it 
were  poffible,  the  very  elect  fhould  bee  deceived. 
Behold,  faith  our  Saviour,  I  have  told  yov  before. 
That  hath  flayed  my  heart,  and  I  can  now  fay,  Re 
turn,  O  my  Soul,  to  thy  Reft,  vpon  this  Rock  Chrift 
Jefus  will  I  build  my  faith;  and,  if  I  perifh,  I  perifh. 
But  I  know  all  the  Powers  of  Hell  mail  neuer  pre 
vail  againft  it.  I  know  whom  I  haue  trvfted,  and 
whom  I  haue  beleived,  and  that  he  is  able  to  keep 
that  I  haue  committed  to  his  charge. 

Now  to  the  King,  Immortall,  Eternall,  and  invifible, 
the  only  wife  God,  bee  Honoure  and  Glory  for  ever 
and  ever  !  Amen. 

This  was  written  in  mvch  licknefle  and  weaknes, 
and  is  very  weakly  and  imperfectly  done;  but,  if  yov 
can  pick  any  Benefitt  out  of  it,  it  is  the  marke  which 
I  aimed  at. 


Occafeonal  Meditations.  \  \ 


Here  follow  feverall  occafionall  meditations. 

I. 

T3  Y  night  when  others  foundly  flept, 
-^f     And  had  at  once  both  eafe  and  Ref> 
My  waking  eyes  were  open  kept, 
And  fo  to  lye  I  fovnd  it  beft. 

II. 

I  fovght  him  whom  my  Soul  did  Love, 
With  tears  I  fovght  him  earneftly; 
He  bow'd  his  ear  down  from  Above, 
In  vain  I  did  not  feek  or  cry. 

III. 

My  hungry  Soul  he  rilPd  with  Good, 
He  in  his  Bottle  putt  my  teares,* 
My  fmarting  wounds  waiht  in  his  blood, 
And  banifht  thence  my  Doubts  and  feares. 

IV. 

What  to  my  Saviour  fhall  I  giue, 
Who  freely  hath  done  this  for  me? 
Fie  ferve  him  here  whilft  I  fhall  Hue, 
And  Loue  him  to  Eternity. 

*  ''Put  thou  my  tears  into  thy  bottle:   are  they  not  in  thy  book? 
PSALM  Ivi.  8. 


12  Anne  Bradftreefs   Works. 


For  Deliverance  from  a  feaver. 

T  T  7HEN  Sorrowes  had  begyrt  me  rovnd, 

And  Paines  within  and  out, 
When  in  my  flelh  no  part  was  fovnd, 
Then  didft  thou  rid  me  out. 

My  burning  flefh  in  fweat  did  boyle, 

My  aking  head  did  break; 
From  fide  to  fide  for  eafe  I  toyle, 

So  faint  I  could  not  fpeak. 

Beclouded  was  my  Soul  with  fear 

Of  thy  Difpleafure  fore, 
Nor  could  I  read  my  Evidence 

Which  oft  I  read  before. 


Hide  not  thy  face  from  me,  I  cry'd, 
From  Burnings  keep  my  foul; 

Thov  know'ft  my  heart,  and  haft  me  try'd; 
I  on  thy  Mercyes  Rowl. 

O,  heal  my  Soul,  thov  know'ft  I  faid, 
Tho'  flefh  confume  to  novght; 

What  tho'  in  duft  it  shall  bee  lay VI, 
To  Glory \  mall  bee  brovght. 


Verfes  in  Sicknefs.  13 

Thou  heardft,  thy  rod  thou  didft  remove, 

And  fpar'd  my  Body  frail, 
Thou  fhew'ft  to  me  thy  tender  Love, 

My  heart  no  more  might  quail. 

O,  Praifes  to  my  mighty  God, 

Praife  to  my  Lord,  I  fay, 
Who  hath  redeem'd  my  Soul  from  pitt: 

Praifes  to  him  for  Aye! 


ffrom  another  fore  ffitt* 

TN  my  diftreffe  I  fovght  the  Lord, 

When  nought  on  Earth  could  comfort  giue; 
And  when  my  Soul  thefe  things  abhor'd, 
Then,  Lord,  thou  faid'ft  vnto  me,  Liue. 

Thou  knoweft  the  forrowes  that  I  felt, 
My  plaints  and  Groanes  were  heard  of  Thee, 
And  how  in  fweat  I  feem'd  to  melt; 
Thov  help'fb  and  thov  regardeft  me. 

My  wafted  flefh  thou  didft  reflore, 

My  feeble  loines  didft  gird  with  ftrenght;  * 

*  "  She  girdeth  her  loins  with  strength,  and  strengthened  her  arms." 
PROV.  xxxi.  17. 


14  Anne  Bradjlreef  s   Works. 

~ 
Yea,  when  I  was  molt  low  and  poor, 

I  laid  I  fhall  praife  thee  at  lenght. 

What  fhall  I  render  to  my  God 
For  all  his  Bovnty  fhew'd  to  me, 
Even  for  his  mercyes  in  his  rod, 
Where  pitty  mofl  of  all  I  fee? 

My  heart  I  wholly  giue  to  Thee: 

O  make  it  frvitfull,  faithfull  Lord! 

My  life  fhall  dedicated  bee 

To  praife  in  thought,  in  Deed,  in  Word. 

Thou  know'ft  no  life  I  did  require 
Longer  then  ftill  thy  Name  to  praife, 
Nor  ovght  on  Earth  worthy  Defire, 
In  drawing  out  thefe  wretched  Dayes. 

Thy  Name  and  praife  to  celebrate, 
O  Lord!  for  aye  is  my  requeft. 
O,  gravnt  I  doe  it  in  this  Hate, 
And  then  with  thee  which  is  the  Beft. 


Verfes    in   Sicknefs.  15 


Deliverance  from  a  fitt  of  ffainting. 


w 


ORTHY  art  Thou,  O  Lord  of  praife! 

But  ah  !  it's  not  in  me; 
My  finking  heart  I  pray  thee  raife, 
So  fhall  I  giue  it  Thee. 


My  life  as  Spider's  webb's  cutt  off, 
Thvs  fainting  haue  I  faid, 

And  liueing  man  no  more  fhall  fee, 
But  bee  in  filence  layd. 

My  feblee  Spirit  thou  didft  reviue, 
My  Doubting  thou  didfl  chide, 

And  tho:  as  dead  mad'ft  me  aliue, 
I  here  a  while  might  'bide. 

Why  mould  I  Hue  but  to  thy  Praife  ? 

My  life  is  hid  with  Thee; 
O  Lord,  no  longer  bee  my  Dayes, 

Then  I  may  frvitfull  bee. 


1 6  Anne  Bradflreefs   Works. 


Meditations  when  my  Soul  hath  been  refreJJied  with  the 
Confutations  which  the  world  knowes  not. 

T  ORD,  why  fhould  I  doubt  any  more  when  thov 
•**r/  haft  given  me  fuch  allured  Pledges  of  thy  Loue? 
Firft,  thov  art  my  Creator,  I  thy  creature;  thov  my 
mafter,  I  thy  fervant.  But  hence  arifes  not  my  comfort: 
Thov  art  my  ffather,  I  thy  child.  Yee  mail  [be]  my 
Sons  and  Daughters,  faith  the  Lord  Almighty.  Chrift 
is  my  Brother ;  I  afcend  vnto  my  ffather  and  your 
ffather,  vnto  my  God  and  your  God.  But  leaft  this 
mould  not  bee  enough,  thy  maker  is  thy  hufband. 
Nay,  more,  I  am  a  member  of  his  Body;  he,  my 
head.  Such  Priviledges,  had  not  the  Word  of  Truth 
made  them  known,  who  or  where  is  the  man  that 
durft  in  his  heart  haue  prefumed  to  haue  thought  it? 
So  wonderfull  are  thefe  thoughts  that  my  fpirit  failes 
in  me  at  the  conlideration  thereof;  and  I  am  con- 
fovnded  to  think  that  God,  who  hath  done  fo  much 
for  me,  fhould  haue  fo  little  from  me.  But  this  is 
my  comfort,  when  I  come  into  Heaven,  I  mall  vnder- 
fhand  perfe6lly  what  he  hath  done  for  me,  and  then 
mall  I  bee  able  to  praife  him  as  I  ovght.  Lord, 
haueing  this  hope,  let  me  purefie  myfelf  as  thou  art 
Pure,  and  let  me  bee  no  more  afFraid  of  Death,  but 
even  defire  to  bee  diffolved,  and  bee  with  thee,  which 
is  beft  of  All. 


Submiffion  and  Reliance.  17 


July  8th,  1656. 


F  had  a  fore  fitt  of  fainting,  which  lafted  2  or  3  dayes, 
A  but  not  in  that  extremity  which  at  firft  it  took 
me,  and  fo  mvch  the  forer  it  was  to  me  becaufe  my 
dear  hufband  was  from  home  (who  is  my  cheifeft 
comforter  on  Earth)  ;  but  my  God,  who  never  failed 
me,  was  not  abfent,  but  helped  me,  and  gratiouily 
manifefted  his  Love  to  me,  which  I  dare  not  pafTe  by 
without  Remembrance,  that  it  may  bee  a  fupport  to 
me  when  I  mall  haue  occalion  to  read  this  hereafter, 
and  to  others  that  mall  read  it  when  I  mail  poffeffe 
that  I  now  hope  for,  that  fo  they  may  bee  encouragd 
to  truft  in  him  who  is  the  only  Portion  of  his  Ser 
vants. 

O  Lord,  let  me  neuer  forgett  thy  Goodnes,  nor 
queftion  thy  faithfullnes  to  me,  for  thov  art  my  God: 
Thou  haft  faid,  and  mail  not  I  beleiue  it? 

Thou  haft  given  me  a  pledge  of  that  Inheritance  thou 
haft  promifed  to  beftow  upon  me.  O,  never  let  Satan 
prevail  againft  me,  but  ftrenghten  my  faith  in  Thee, 
'till  I  mail  attain  the  end  of  my  hopes,  even  the  Salva 
tion  of  my  Soul.  Come,  Lord  Jefus;  come  quickly. 


WHAT  God  is  like  to  him  I  ferve, 
What  Saviour  like  to  mine  ? 
O,  never  let  me  from  thee  fwerue, 
For  truly  I  am  thine. 
3 


1  8  Anne  Bradftreef  s  Works. 

My  thankfull  mouth  fhall  fpeak  thy  praile, 
My  Tongue  fhall  talk  of  Thee: 

On  High  my  heart,  O,  doe  thou  raife, 
For  what  thou'ft  done  for  me. 

Goe,  Worldlings,  to  your  Vanities, 

And  heathen  to  your  Gods; 
Let  them  help  in  Adverlities, 

And  fanctefye  their  rods. 

My  God  he  is  not  like  to  yours, 
Your  felves  fhall  Judges  bee; 

I  find  his  Love,  I  know  his  Pow'r, 
A  Succourer  of  mee. 

He  is  not  man  that  he  mould  lye, 

Nor  fon  of  man  to  vnfay; 
His  word  he  plighted  hath  on  high, 

And  I  fhall  Hue  for  aye. 

And  for  his  lake  that  faithfull  is, 
That  dy'd  but  now  doth  Hue, 

The  firft  and  laft,  that  Hues  for  aye, 
Me  lafting  life  fhall  giue. 


MY  foul,  rejoice  thou  in  thy  God, 
Boaft  of  him  all  the  Day, 
Walk  in  his  Law,  and  kiffe  his  Rod, 
Cleaue  clofe  to  him  alway. 


Joy  in  God.  19 

What  tho :  thy  outward  Man  decay, 

Thy  inward  fhall  waxe  ftrong; 
Thy  body  vile  it  fhall  bee  chang'd, 

And  gloriovs  made  ere-long. 

With  Angels-wings  thy  Soul  fhall  movnt 

To  Bliffe  vnfeen  by  Eye, 
And  drink  at  vnexhaufled  fovnt 

Of  Joy  vnto  Eternity. 

Thy  teares  fhall  All  bee  dryed  vp, 

Thy  Sorrowes  all  fhall  flye; 
Thy  Sinns  fhall  ne'r  bee  fummon'd  vp, 

Nor  come  in  memory. 

Then  fhall  I  know  what  thov  hafl  done 

For  me,  vnworthy  me, 
And  praife  thee  fhall  ev'n  as  I  ovght, 

ffor  wonders  that  I  fee. 

Bafe  World,  I  trample  on  thy  face, 

Thy  Glory  I  defpife, 
No  gain  I  find  in  ovght  below, 

For  God  hath  made  me  wife. 

* 
Come,  Jefvs,  qvickly,  Blefled  Lord, 

Thy  face  when  fhall  I  fee? 
O  let  me  covnt  each  hour  a  Day 

'Till  I  diffolved  bee. 


20  Anne  Brad/lree?  s   Works. 


Auguft  28,  1656. 

A  FTER  mvch  weaknes  and  ficknes  when  my 
•**•  fpirits  were  worn  out,  and  many  times  my  faith 
weak  likewife,  the  Lord  was  pleafed  to  vphold  my 
drooping  heart,  and  to  manifefh  his  Loue  to  me;  and 
this  is  that  which  Hayes  my  Soul  that  this  condition 
that  I  am  in  is  the  belt  for  me,  for  God  doth  not 
afflict  willingly,  nor  take  delight  in  greiving  the  chil 
dren  of  men:  he  hath  no  benefitt  by  my  adverfity,  nor 
is  he  the  better  for  my  profperity;  but  he  doth  it  for 
my  Advantage,  and  that  I  may  bee  a  Gainer  by  it. 
And  if  he  knowes  that  weaknes  and  a  frail  body  is 
the  beft  to  make  me  a  veflell  fitt  for  his  vfe,  why  mould 
I  not  bare  it,  not  only  willingly  but  joyfully?  The 
Lord  knowes  I  dare  not  defire  that  health  that  fom- 
times  I  haue  had,  leafh  my  heart  mould  bee  drawn  from 
him,  and  fett  vpon  the  world. 

Now  I  can  wait,  looking  every  day  when  my  Saviour 
mall  call  for  me.  Lord  gravnt  that  while  I  live  I  may 
doe  that  fervice  I  am  able  in  this  frail  Body,  and  bee 
in  continuall  expectation  of  my  change,  and  let  me 
never  forgett  thy  great  Love  to  my  foul  fo  lately 
expreffed,  when  I  could  lye  down  and  bequeath  my 
Soul  to  thee,  and  Death  feem'd  no  terrible  Thing. 
O  let  me  ever  fee  Thee  that  Art  inviiible,  and  I  mail 
not  bee  vnwilling  to  come,  tho:  by  fo  rovgh  a 
MelTenger. 


Valley  of  Baca.  21 


May  n,  1657. 

T  HAD  a  fore  iicknes,  and  weaknes  took  hold  of  me, 
which  hath  by  fitts  lafted  all  this  Spring  till  this 
1 1  May,  yet  hath  my  God  given  me  many  a  refpite, 
and  fome  ability  to  perform  the  Dutyes  I  owe  to  him, 
and  the  work  of  my  famely. 

Many  a  refreihment  haue  I  fovnd  in  this  my  weary 
Pilgrimage,  and  in  this  valley  of  Baca*  many  pools  of 
wrater.  That  which  now  I  cheifly  labour  for  is  a  con 
tented,  thankfull  heart  vnder  my  affliction  and  weak 
nes,  feing  it  is  the  will  of  God  it  mould  bee  thus. 
Who  am  I  that  I  fhould  repine  at  his  pleafure,  efpe- 

*  "Blessed  is  the  man  whose' strength  is  in  thee;  in  whose  heart  are  the 
ways  of  them.  Who,  passing  through  the  valley  of  Baca,  make  it  a  well ; 
the  rain  also  filleth  the  pools." — PSALM  Ixxxiv.  5,  6. 

"Blessed  is  the  man  whose  strength  is  in  thee;  in  whose  heart  are  thy 
ways.  Who,  going  through  the  vale  of  misery,  use  it  for  a  well ;  and  the 
pools  are  filled  with  water."  —  PSALTER. 

"  Eig  rrjv  /cot/lada  TOV  K^av6fj.uvog." —  SEPTUAGINT. 
"  In  valle  lacrymarum" —  VULGATE. 

The  old  Genevan  Bible  (London,  1599)  has  the  following  translation 
and  note :  — 

"  They  going  through  the  vale  of  e  Baca,  make  welles  therein  :  the  rain 
alto  couereth  the  pooles." 

—  " e  That  is,  of  mulbery  trees,  which  was  a  barren  place  :  fo  that  they 
which  parTed  through  muft  dig  pits  for  water,"  &c.,  &c. 

The  old  "  Bay  Pfalm  Book,"  which  she  must  often  have  read  and  sung 
from,  thus  quaintly  renders  the  verse  :  — 

"  Who  as  they  pafie  through  Baca's  Vale, 

doe  make  it  a  fountaine  : 
alfo  the  pooles  that  are  therin 
are  filled  full  of  raine." 


22  Anne  Bradftreefs  Works. 

cially  feing  it  is  for  my  fpirituall  advantage  ?  for  I  hope 
my  foul  mall  flourifh  while  my  body  decayes,  and  the 
weaknes  of  this  outward  man  mail  bee  a  meanes  to 
ftrenghten  my  inner  man. 

Yet  a  little  while  and  he  that  mail  come  will  come, 
and  will  not  tarry. 


May  13,  1657. 


A   S  fpring  the  winter  doth  fucceed, 
•*•  ^  And  leaues  the  naked  Trees  doe  dreffe, 
The  earth  all  black  is  cloth'd  in  green; 
At  fvn-fhine  each  their  joy  exprefle. 

My  Svns  returned  with  healing  wings, 
My  Soul  and  Body  doth  rejoice; 
My  heart  exvlts,  and  praifes  lings 
To  him  that  heard  my  wailing  Voice. 

My  winters  paft,  my  ftormes  are  gone, 
And  former  clowdes  feem  now  all  fled ; 
But,  if  they  mvft  eclipfe  again, 
Fie  rvn  where  I  was  fuccoured. 

I  haue  a  fhelter  from  the  ftorm, 
A  lhadow  from  the  fainting  heat; 
I  haue  accefle  vnto  his  Throne, 
Who  is  a  God  fo  wondrous  great. 


Submiffion  to  Chaftifement.  23 

0  haft  thou  made  my  Pilgrimage 
Thvs  pleafant,  fair,  and  good; 
BleiT'd  me  in  Youth  and  elder  Age, 
My  Baca  made  a  fpringing  flood  ?  * 

1  iludiovs  am  what  I  fhall  doe, 
To  mow  my  Duty  with  delight; 
All  I  can  giue  is  but  thine  own, 
And  at  the  mofl  a  limple  mite. 


Sept.  30,  1657. 

TT  pleafed  God  to  vifet  me  with  my  old  Difbemper  of 
weaknes  and  fainting,  but  not  in  that  fore  manner 
fomtimes  he  hath.  I  delire  not  only  willingly,  but 
thankfully,  to  fubmitt  to  him,  for  I  trvft  it  is  out  of  his 
abvndant  Love  to  my  ftraying  Soul  which  in  profperity 
is  too  much  in  love  with  the  world.  I  haue  fovnd  by 
experience  I  can  no  more  Hue  without  correction  then 
without  food.  Lord,  with  thy  correction  giue  Inftrvc- 
tion  and  amendment,  and  then  thy  ftroakes  mall  bee 
welcome.  I  haue  not  been  refined  in  the  furnace  of 
affliction  as  fome  haue  been,  but  haue  rather  been  pre- 
ferved  with  fugar  then  brine,  yet  will  he  preferve  me 
to  his  heavenly  kingdom. 

Thus  (dear  children)  haue  yee  feen  the  many  iick- 

*  See  page  21  and  note. 


24  Anne  Bradflreet^s  Works. 

neffes  and  weaknefles  that  I  haue  patted  thro:  to 
the  end  that,  if  you  meet  with  the  like,  yov  may  haue 
recourfe  to  the  fame  God  who  hath  heard  and  deli- 
uered  me,  and  will  doe  the  like  for  yov  if  you  trvft  in 
him;  And,  when  he  mail  deliuer  yov  out  of  diftreffe, 
forget  not  to  giue  him  thankes,  but  to  walk  more 
clofely  with  him  then  before.  This  is  the  delire  of 
your  Loving  mother,  A.  B. 


In  the  fame  book  were  vpon  fpeciall  occaiions  the 
Poems,  &c.,  which  follow  added. 

Vpon  my  Son  Samuel  his  goeing  for  England,  Novem. 

6,  1657.* 


mighty  God  of  Sea  and  Land, 
I  here  religne  into  thy  hand 
The  Son  of  Prayers,  of  vowes,  of  teares, 
The  child  I  ftay'd  for  many  yeares.f 
Thou  heard'ft  me  then,  and  gav'ft  him  me; 
Hear  me  again,  I  giue  him  Thee. 
He's  mine,  but  more,  O  Lord,  thine  own, 
For  fure  thy  Grace  on  him  is  mown. 
No  freind  I  haue  like  Thee  to  truft, 
For  mortall  helpes  are  brittle  Dvft. 

*  He  was  her  eldest  child.     See  Introduction.  f  See  page  5. 


Divine  Dealings.  25 

Preferve,  O  Lord,  from  ftormes  and  wrack, 

Protect  him  there,  and  bring  him  back; 

And  if  thou  malt  fpare  me  a  fpace, 

That  I  again  may  fee  his  face, 

Then  mall  I  celebrate  thy  Praife, 

And  Blefle  the  .for't  even  all  my  Dayes. 

If  otherwife  I  goe  to  Reft, 

Thy  Will  bee  done,  for  that  is  beft; 

Perfwade  my  heart  I  mall  him  fee 

For  ever  happefy'd  with  Thee. 


May  n,  1661. 

TT  hath  pleafed  God  to  giue  me  a  long  Time  of  re- 
A  fpite  for  thefe  4  years  that  I  haue  had  no  great 
fitt  of  licknes,  but  this  year,  from  the  middle  of  Janu 
ary  'till  May,  I  haue  been  by  fitts  very  ill  and  weak. 
The  firft  of  this  month  I  had  a  feaver  feat'd  vpon  me 
which,  indeed,  was  the  longeft  and  forefl  that  ever  I 
had,  lafting  4  dayes,  and  the  weather  being  very  hott 
made  it  the  more  tedious,  but  it  pleafed  the  Lord  to 
fupport  my  heart  in  his  goodnes,  and  to  hear  my 
Prayers,  and  to  deliuer  me  out  of  adverfity.  But, 
alas !  I  cannot  render  vnto  the  Lord  according  to  all 
his  loving  kindnes,  nor  take  the  cup  of  falvation  with 
Thankfgiving  as  I  ought  to  doe.  Lord,  Thou  that 
knowefl  All  things  know'ft  that  I  delire  to  teftefye  my 


26  Anne  Bradftreet'' s  Works. 

thankfullnes  not  only  in  word,  but  in  Deed,  that 
my  Converfation  may  fpeak  that  thy  vowes  are  vpon 
me. 


A  /TY  thankfull  heart  with  glorying  Tongue 
-^•*      Shall  celebrate  thy  Name, 
Who  hath  reitor'd,  redeem'd,  recur'd 
From  iicknes,  death,  and  Pain. 

I  cry'd  thov  feem'ft  to  make  fome  flay, 

I  fovght  more  earneftly; 
And  in  due  time  thou  fuccour'ft  me, 

And  fent'fl  me  help  from  High. 

Lord,  whilfl  my  fleeting  time  fhall  laft, 

Thy  Goodnes  let  me  Tell. 
And  new  Experience  I  haue  gain'd, 

My  future  Doubts  repell. 

An  humble,  faitefull  life,  O  Lord, 

For  ever  let  me  walk; 
Let  my  obedience  teflefye, 

My  Praife  lyes  not  in  Talk. 

Accept,  O  Lord,  my  fimple  mite, 

For  more  I  cannot  giue; 
What  thou  beftow'ft  I  fhall  reflore, 

For  of  thine  Almes  I  Hue. 


On  her  Hii/band^s  Recovery  from  Sicknefs.      27 


For  the  rejloration  of  my  dear  Hujband  from  a  burn 
ing  Ague ',  June,  1661. 

T  \  7HEN  feares  and  forrowes  me  befett, 

Then  did'ft  thou  rid  me  out; 
When  heart  did  faint  and  fpirits  quail, 
Thou  comforts  me  about.* 

Thou  raif 'ft  him  vp  I  feard  to  loofe, 

Regau'ft  me  him  again: 
Diflempers  thou  didft  chafe  away; 

With  flrenght  didft  him  fuftain. 

My  thankfull  heart,  with  Pen  record 

The  Goodnes  of  thy  God; 
Let  thy  obedience  teftefye 

He  taught  thee  by  his  rod. 

And  with  his  ftaffe  did  thee  fupport, 
That  thou  by  both  may'ft  learn; 

And  'twixt  the  good  and  evill  way, 
At  laft,  thou  mig'ft  difcern. 

Praifes  to  him  who  hath  not  left 

My  Soul  as  deftitute; 
Nor  turnd  his  ear  away  from  me, 

But  graunted  hath  my  Suit. 

*  Ps.  Ixxi.  21. 


28  Anne  Bradftreefs   Works. 

Vpon  my  Daughter  Hannah  Wiggin  *  her  recouery 
from  a  dangerous  feaver. 

LEST  bee  thy  Name,  who  did'ft  reftore 

To  health  my  Daughter  dear 
When  death  did  feem  ev'n  to  approach, 
And  life  was  ended  near. 

Gravnt  fhee  remember  what  thov'il  done, 

And  celebrate  thy  Praife; 
And  let  her  Converfation  fay, 

Shee  loues  thee  all  thy  Dayes. 


On  my  Sons  Return  out  of  England,  July  17,  i66i.f 

A   LL  Praife  to  him  who  hath  now  turn'd 
•^   ^-  My  feares  to  Joyes,  my  fighes  to  song, 
My  Teares  to  fmiles,  my  fad  to  glad: 
He's  come  for  whom  I  waited  long. 

Thou  di'fl  preferve  him  as  he  went; 
In  raging  ftormes  did'fb  fafely  keep : 

*  She   married   Andrew  Wiggin,  of  Exeter,  N.H.,  June  14,  1659,  anc^ 
died  in  1707. 

t  He  sailed  for  England  in  November,  1657.     See  page  24. 


On  her  Sorfs  Return  from  England,  29 

Did'ft  that  fhip  bring  to  quiet  Port. 
The  other  fank  low  in  the  Deep.* 

From  Dangers  great  thou  did'ft  him  free 
Of  Py-rates  who  were  neer  at  hand ; 
And  order'ft  fo  the  adverfe  wind, 
That  he  before  them  gott  to  Land. 

*  Gookin,  in  his  "  Historical  Collections,"  pp.  62-63,  tells  the  story  of 
these  ships :  — 

"But  An.  1657,  in  the  month  of  November,  Mr.  Mayhew,  the  fon,  took 

fhipping  at  Bofton,  to  pafs  for  England, He  took  his  paffage  for 

England  in  the  beft  of  two  mips  then  bound  for  London,  whereof  one  James 
Garrett  was  mafter.  The  other  fhip,  whereof  John  Pierfe  was  commander, 
I  went  pafienger  therein,  with  Mr.  Hezekiah  Ufher  fenior  of  Bofton,  and 
feveral  other  perfons.  Both  thefe  mips  failed  from  Bofton  in  company.  Mr. 
Garrett's  fhip,  which  was  about  four  hundred  tons,  had  good  accommoda 
tions,  and  greater  far  than  the  other :  and  fhe  had  aboard  her  a  very  rich 
lading  of  goods,  but  moft  efpecially  of  paffengers,  about  fifty  in  number; 
whereof  divers  of  them  were  perfons  of  great  worth  and  virtue,  both  men 
and  women ;  efpecially  Mr.  Mayhew,  Mr.  Davis,  Mr.  Ince,  and  Mr.  Pel- 
ham,  all  fcholars,  and  mafters  of  art,  as  I  take  it,  moft  of  them.  The  fec- 
ond  of  thefe,  viz.  Mr.  Davis,  fon  to  one  of  that  name  at  New  Haven,  was 
one  of  the  beft  accomplilhed  perfons  for  learning,  as  ever  was  bred  at  Har 
vard  college  in  Cambridge  in  New  England.  Myfelf  was  once  intended 
and  refolved  to  pafs  in  that  Ihip :  but  the  mafter,  who  fometimes  had  been 
employed  by  me,  and  from  whom  I  expected  a  common  courtefy,  carried  it 
fomething  unkindly,  as  I  conceived,  about  my  accommodations  of  a  cabin ; 
which  was  an  occafion  to  divert  me  to  the  other  fhip,  where  I  alfo  had  good 
company,  and  my  life  alfo  preferved,  as  the  fequel  proved  :  For  this  Ihip  of 
Garrett's  perimed  in  the  paffage,  and  was  never  heard  of  more.  And  there 
good  Mr.  Mayhew  ended  his  days,  and  finimed  his  work." 

John  Hull  also  mentions  the  loss  of  Garrett's  ship,  in  his  Diary  (Arch. 
Amer.  iii.  184.)  :  — 

"4th  month  [June,  1658].  We  heard,  by  two  ships  that  came  in  from 
England,  that  Master  James  Garret's  ship  was  not  arrived,  and  looked  as 
foundered  in  the  sea,  and  so  persons  and  estates  lost.  There  was  sundry 


30  Anne  Bradftreefs   Works. 

In  covntry  ftrange  thou  did'ft  provide, 
And  freinds  raif'd  him  in  euery  Place; 
And  courtefies  of  fvndry  forts 
From  fuch  as  'fore  nere  faw  his  face. 

In  ficknes  when  he  lay  full  fore. 
His  help  and  his  Phyfitian  wer't; 
When  royall  ones  that  Time  did  dye,* 
Thou  heal'dft  his  flefh,  and  cheer'd  his  heart. 

persons  of  pretty  note  :  Mr.  Mejo  (Mayhew),  a  godly  minister,  that  taught 
the  Indians  at  Martha's  Vineyard ;  and  sundry  young  students,  and  some 
very  hopeful ;  sundry  women  also,  two  of  which  were  sisters  in  our  own 
church One  of  the  ketches,  likewise,  that  went  hence  for  Eng 
land,  was  taken  by  a  pirate  of  Ostend,  and  therein  much  estate  lost." 

*  Henry,  Duke  of  Gloucester,  third  son  of  Charles  I.,  died  of  small-pox 
i3th  September,  1660,  only  a  few  months  after  the  restoration  of  his 
brother,  Charles  II.,  to  the  throne.  Mary,  their  sister,  the  Princess  of 
Orange,  returned  from  Holland  soon  after  his  death,  and  fell  a  victim  to 
the  same  disease  on  the  24th  December  following. 

"This  punishment  of  declared  enemies  interrupted  not  the  rejoicings  of 
the  court;  but  the  death  of  the  Duke  of  Gloucester,  a  young  prince  of  prom 
ising  hopes,  threw  a  great  cloud  upon  them.  The  king,  by  no  incident  in 
his  life,  was  ever  so  deeply  affected.  Gloucester  was  observed  to  possess 
united  the  good  qualities  of  both  his  brothers ;  the  clear  judgment  and 
penetration  of  the  king,  the  industry  and  application  of  the  Duke  of  York. 
He  was  also  believed  to  be  affectionate  to  the  religion  and  constitution  of 
his  country.  He  was  but  twenty  years  of  age  when  the  small-pox  put  an 
end  to  his  life.  The  Princess  of  Orange,  having  come  to  England,  in  order 
to  partake  of  the  joy  attending  the  restoration  of  her  family,  with  whom 
she  lived  in  great  friendship,  soon  after  sickened  and  died."  —  HUME'S 
"  History  of  England,"  chap.  Ixiii. 

Under  date  of  Sept.  13,  Evelyn  writes  in  his  Diary,  "  In  the  midst  of  all 
this  joy  and  jubilee  the  Duke  of  Gloucester  died  of  ye  small  pox  in  the 
prime  of  youth,  and  a  prince  of  extraordinary  hopes."  And  again,  on  the 
2 1 st  [24th]  of  December,  "This  day  died  the  Princesse  of  Orange,  of  ye 


On  her  Sorfs  Return  from  England.  3 1 

From  troubles  and  Incubers  Thov, 
Without  (all  fraud),*  did'ft  fett  him  free, 
That,  without  fcandall,  he  might  come 
To  th'  Land  of  his  Nativity. 

On  Eagles  wings  him  hether  brovght  *j* 
Thro :  Want  and  Dangers  manifold ; 
And  thvs  hath  gravnted  my  Reqveft, 
That  I  thy  Mercyes  might  behold. 

O  help  me  pay  my  Vowes,  O  Lord! 
That  ever  I  may  thankfull  bee, 
And  may  putt  him  in  mind  of  what 
Tho'ft  done  for  him,  and  fo  for  me. 

In  both  our  hearts  erecl:  a  frame 
Of  Duty  and  of  Thankfullnes, 
That  all  thy  favours  great  receiv'd, 
Oure  vpright  walking  may  exprefle. 

O  Lord,  gravnt  that  I  may  never  forgett  thy  Loving 
kindnes  in  this  Particular,  and  how  gratiovfly  thov 
haft  anfwered  my  Deiires. 

small  pox,  wch  entirely  alter'd  je  face  and  gallantry  of  the  whole  court." 
—  MEMOIRS,  vol.  ii.  pp.  155  and  159-60. 

These  sad  events  were  probably  fresh  in  Mrs.  Bradstreet's  mind. 

*  Sic. 

t  Ex.  xix.  4. 


32  Anne  Bradftree?  s   Works. 


Vpon  my  dear  and  loving  hujband  his  goeing  into  Eng 
land,  Jan.  1 6,  1 66 1.* 

OTHOV  moil  high  who  ruleft  All, 
And  hear'ft  the  Prayers  of  Thine; 
O  hearken,  Lord,  vnto  my  fuit, 
And  my  Petition  figne. 

Into  thy  everlafting  Armes 

Of  mercy  I  commend 
Thy  fervant,  Lord.     Keep  and  preferve 

My  hufband,  my  dear  freind. 

At  thy  command,  O  Lord,  he  went, 
Nor  novght  could  keep  him  back; 


*  This  was  in  1662  (N.  S.),  on  occasion  of  Bradstreet's  mission  to  Eng 
land  with  the  Rev.  John  Norton  (see  Introduction).  They  did  not  sail 
until  the  nth  of  February.  John  Hull,  who  was  their  companion  out  and 
back,  says,  in  his  Diary  (Arch.  Amer.  iii.  205-6),  "  loth  of  Feb.,  Mr. 
Norton,  Mr.  Broadstreet,  Mr.  Davis,  and  myself,  went  on  shipboard.  Next 
morning,  set  sail ;  and,  by  the  28th  March,  we  saw  the  Lizard ;  and,  22d  of 
ist,  we  arrived  in  the  Downs.  After  a  few  days,  the  messengers  addressed 
themselves  to  the  Court,  delivered  their  letters  to  the  Lord  Chancellor,  re 
ceived  good  words  from  him.  After  their  minds,  by  several  comings,  fully 
known,  they  had  fair  promises  of  a  full  grant  to  their  whole  desire  in  the 
country's  behalf.  But  their  writing,  which  they  drew  in  order  thereunto,  at 
last  unsigned ;  and  another  letter,  wherein  was  sundry  things  ordered 
for  the  country  to  attend  which  seemed  somewhat  inconsistent  with  our 
patent  and  former  privileges,  in  the  beginning  of  said  letter  confirmed,  and 
which  some  endeavor  to  take  advantage  from  to  the  change  [of]  our 
good  laws  and  customs." 


On  her  Hufband's  Miffion  to  England.         33 

Then  let  thy  promis  joy  his  heart: 
O  help,  and  bee  not  flack. 

Vphold  my  heart  in  Thee,  O  God, 

Thou  art  my  ftrenght  and  Hay; 
Thou  fee'ft  how  weak  and  frail  I  am, 

Hide  not  thy  face  Away. 


I,  in  obedience  to  thy  Will, 
Thov  knoweft,  did  fubmitt; 

It  was  my  Duty  fo  to  doe, 
O  Lord,  accept  of  it. 

Vnthankfullnes  for  mercyes  Paft, 

Impute  thov  not  to  me ; 
O  Lord,  thov  know'ft  my  weak  delire 

Was  to  fmg  Praife  to  Thee. 

Lord,  bee  thov  Pilott  to  the  fliip, 
And  fend  them  profperous  gailes; 

In  ftormes  and  licknes,  Lord,  preferve, 
Thy  Goodnes  never  failes. 

Vnto  thy  work  he  hath  in  hand, 

Lord,  gravnt  Thov  good  SuccefTe 
And  favour  in  their  eyes,  to  whom 

He  fhall  make  his  AddrefTe. 
5 


34  Anne  Bradftreefs   Works. 

Remember,  Lord,  thy  folk  whom  thou 
To  wilclernefle  haft  brovght; 

Let  not  thine  own  Inheritance 
Bee  fold  away  for  Novght. 

But  Tokens  of  thy  favour  Give  — 
With  Joy  fend  back  my  Dear, 

That  I,  and  all  thy  fervants,  may 
Rejoice  with  heavenly  chear. 

Lord;  let  my  eyes  fee  once  Again 
Him  whom  thov  gaveft  me, 

That  wee  together  may  fing  Praife 
ffor  ever  vnto  Thee. 

And  the  Remainder  of  oure  Dayes 

Shall  confecrated  bee, 
With  an  engaged  heart  to  fing 

All  Praifes  vnto  Thee. 


In  my  Solitary  houres  in  my  dear  hufband  his  Abfence. 

LORD,  thov  hear'ft  my  dayly  moan, 

And  fee'ft  my  dropping  teares : 
My  Troubles  All  are  Thee  before, 
My  Longings  and  my  feares. 


In  her  Hujband's  Abfence.  35 

Thou  hetherto  haft  been  my  God; 

Thy  help  my  foul  hath  fovnd : 
Tho:  lofle  and  ficknes  me  aflail'd, 

Thro:  the  I've  kept  my  Grovnd. 

And  thy  Abode  tho'ft  made  with  me; 

With  Thee  my  Soul  can  talk 
In  fecrett  places,  Thee  I  find, 

Where  I  doe  kneel  or  walk. 

Tho :  hufband  dear  bee  from  me  gone, 

Whom  I  doe  loue  fo  well; 
I  haue  a  more  beloued  one 

Whofe  comforts  far  excell. 

O  flay  my  heart  on  thee,  my  God, 

Vphold  my  fainting  Soul! 
And,  when  I  know  not  what  to  doe, 

I'll  on  thy  mercyes  roll.'55' 


*  This  singular  expression  has  been  used  once  before  (page  12).      It  is 
probably  taken  from  Ps.  xxii.  8,  —  "  He  trusted  on  the  Lord  that  he  would 
deliver  him :  let  him  deliver  him,  seeing  he  delighted  in  him";    or  from 
Ps.  xxxvii.  5,  —  "  Commit  thy  way  unto  the  Lord  ;  trust  also  in  him  ;  and  he    : •«• 
shall  bring  it  to  pass."    The  marginal  reading  for  "  trusted  on"  is  "  rolled 
himself,"  and  for  "  Commit  thy  way  unto,"  "  roll  thy  way  upon" 
The  "  Bay  Pfalm  Book"  translates  the  former  verse  as  follows : 
"  Vpon  the  Lord  he  rold  hinTelfe, 

let  him  now  rid  him  quite  : 
let  him  deliver  him,  becaufe 
in  him  he  doth  delight." 


36  Anne  Bradftreefs   Works. 

My  weaknes,  thou  do'ft  know  full  well, 

Of  Body  and  of  mind. 
I,  in  this  world,  no  comfort  haue, 

But  what  from  Thee  I  find. 

Tho :  children  thou  haft  given  me, 

And  freinds  I  haue  alfo: 
Yet,  if  I  fee  Thee  not  thro:  them, 

They  are  no  Joy,  but  woe. 

O  fhine  vpon  me,  bleffed  Lord, 
Ev'n  for  my  Saviour's  fake; 

In  Thee  Alone  is  more  then  All, 
And  there  content  I'll  take. 

O  hear  me,  Lord,  in  this  Reqveft, 
As  thov  before  ha'ft  done: 

Bring  back  my  hufband,  I  befeech, 
As  thov  didft  once  my  Sonne. 

So  fhall  I  celebrate  thy  Praife, 
Ev'n  while  my  Dayes  lhall  laft; 

And  talk  to  my  Beloued  one 
Of  all  thy  Goodnes  paft. 


Winthrop  uses  the  same  expression  in  a  letter  to  his  son  ("  Life  and  Let 
ters,"  p.  250). 

"  But  such  as  will  roll  their  ways  upon  the  Lord,  do  find  him  always  as 
good  as  his  word." 


In  her  Hufband^s  Abfence.  37 

So  both  of  vs  thy  Kindnes,  Lord, 

With  Praifes  fhall  recovnt, 
And  ferve  Thee  better  then  before, 

Whofe  Bleilings  thvs  furmovnt. 

But  give  me,  Lord,  a  better  heart, 

Then  better  fhall  I  bee, 
To  pay  the  vowes  which  I  doe  owe 

For  ever  vnto  Thee. 

Vnlefie  thou  help,  what  can  I  doe 

But  ftill  my  frailty  mow? 
If  thov  affift  me,  Lord,  I  fhall 

Return  Thee  what  I  owe. 


In  thankfull  acknowledgment  for  the  letters  I  received 
from  my  hufband  ovt  of  England. 

THOU  that  hear'ft  the  Prayers  of  Thine, 
And  'mongft  them  haft  regarded  Mine, 

Haft  heard  my  cry's,  and  feen  my  Teares ; 

Haft  knowrn  my  doubts  and  All  my  fFeares. 

Thov  haft  releiv'd  my  fainting  heart, 
Nor  payd  me  after  my  defert; 


38  Anne  Bradftreefs   Works. 

Thov  haft  to  fhore  him  fafely  brovght 
For  whom  I  thee  fo  oft  befovght. 

Thov  waft  the  Pilott  to  the  fhip, 
And  raif'd  him  vp  when  he  was  lick; 
And  hope  thov'ft  given  of  good  fucceffe, 
In  this  his  Buifnes  and  Addreffe; 

And  that  thov  wilt  return  him  back, 
Whofe  prefence  I  fo  much  doe  lack. 
For  All  thefe  mercyes  I  thee  Praife, 
And  fo  delire  ev'n  all  my  Dayes. 


In  thankfull  Remembrance  for  my  dear  hujbands  Jafe 
A  rrivall  Sept.  3 ,  1662.* 

T  WHAT  mall  I  render  to  thy  Name, 

Or  how  thy  Praifes  fpeak; 
My  thankes  how  fhall  I  teftefye  ? 
O  Lord,  thov  know'ft  I'm  weak. 

I  ow  fo  mvch,  fo  little  can 
Return  vnto  thy  Name, 

*  "  Sept.  3.  Master  Clark,  in  the  ship  '  Society,'  brought  in  the  coun 
try's  messengers  in  safety;  viz.,  Mr.  Broadstreet  and  Mr.  Norton."  — 
HULL'S  Diary;  Arch.  Amer.  iii.  206. 


On  her  HuJbancPs  fafe  Return.  39 

Confufion  feafes  on  my  Soul, 
And  I  am  fill'd  with  mame. 


O  thov  that  heareft  Prayers,  Lord, 
To  Thee  mail  come  all  fflefh; 

Thou  hail  me  heard  and  anfwered, 
My  'Plaints  haue  had  accefie. 

What  did  I  aik  for  but  thov  gav'it? 

What  could  I  more  defire? 
But  Thankfullnes,  even  all  my  dayes, 

I  humbly  this  Require. 

Thy  mercyes,  Lord,  haue  been  fo  great, 

In  nvmber  nvmberles, 
Impoffible  for  to  recovnt 

Or  any  way  exprefie. 

O  help  thy  Saints  that  fovght  thy  fface, 

T'  Return  vnto  thee  Praife, 
And  walk  before  thee  as  they  ought, 

In  Uriel;  and  vpright  wayes. 


This  was  the  lafl  Thing  written  in  that  Book  by  my 
dear  and  hon'd  Mother. 


40  Anne  Bradftreet^s  Works. 


Here  followes  fome  verfes  vpon  the  burning  of  our 
houfe,  July  loth,  1666.     Copyed  ovt  of  a  loofe  Paper. 

TN  filent  night  when  reft  I  took, 
•*•   For  forrow  neer  I  did  not  look, 
I  waken'd  was  writh  thundring  nois 
And  Piteovs  fhreiks  of  dreadfull  voice. 
That  fearfull  found  of  fire  and  fire, 
Let  no  man  know  is  my  Defire. 

I,  ftarting  vp,  the  light  did  fpye, 
And  to  my  God  my  heart  did  cry 
To  ftrengthen  me  in  my  Diftrefle 
And  not  to  leaue  me  fuccourlefle. 
Then  coming  ovt  beheld  a  fpace, 
The  flame  confvme  my  dwelling  place. 

And,  wThen  I  could  no  longer  look, 
I  bleft  his  Name  that  gave  and  took, 
That  layd  my  goods  now  in  the  dvft: 
Yea  fo  it  was,  and  fo  'twas  jvft. 
It  was  his  own :  it  was  not  mine ; 

ffar  be  it  that  I  mould  repine. 

•    ' 

'He  might  of  All  iuftly  bereft, 
But  yet  fufficient  for  us  left. 


On  the  Burning  of  her  Houfe.  41 

When  by  the  Ruines  oft  I  paft, 
My  forrowing  eyes  afide  did  caft, 
And  here  and  there  the  places  fpye 
Where  oft  I  fate,  and  long  did  lye. 

Here  Hood  that  Trunk,  and  there  that  cheft; 
There  lay  that  ftore  I  covnted  heft: 
My  pleafant  things  in  afhes  lye, 
And  them  behold  no  more  mall  I. 
Vnder  thy  roof  no  gvefh  mall  fitt, 
Nor  at  thy  Table  eat  a  bitt. 

No  pleafant  tale  mall  'ere  be  told, 

Nor  things  recovnted  done  of  old. 

No  Candle  'ere  fhall  mine  in  Thee, 

Nor  bridegroom's  voice  ere  heard  fhall  bee. 

In  filence  ever  fhalt  thou  lye; 

Acleiu,  Adeiu;  All's  vanity. 

Then  flreight  I  "gin  my  heart  to  chide, 
And  did  thy  wealth  on  earth  abide? 
Didfh  fix  thy  hope  on  mouldring  dvft, 
The  arm  of  flefh  didfl  make  thy  trvft? 
Raife  vp  thy  thovghts  above  the  fkye 
That  dunghill  mills  away  may  flie. 

Thou  haft  an  houfe  on  high  erect, 
Fram'd  by  that  mighty  Architect, 

6 


42  Anne  Brad/I  reel's   Works. 

With  glory  richly  furnifhed, 
Stands  permanent  tho :  this  bee  fled. 
'Its  purchafed,  and  paid  for  too 
By  him  who  hath  enovgh  to  doe. 

A  Prife  fo  vail  as  is  vnknown, 
Yet,  by  his  Gift,  is  made  thine  own. 
Ther's  wealth  enovgh,  I  need  no  more; 
Farewell  my  Pelf,  farewell  my  Store. 
The  world  no  longer  let  me  Love, 
My  hope  and  Treafure  lyes  Above. 


A   S  weary  pilgrim,  now  at  reft, 

^-     Hugs  with  delight  his  lilent  nefl 
His  wafted  limbes,  now  lye  full  foft 

That  myrie  fteps,  haue  troden  oft 
Blefles  himfelf,  to  think  vpon 

his  dangers  paft,  and  travailes  done 
The  burning  fun  no  more  (hall  heat 

Nor  ftormy  raines,  on  him  mall  beat. 
The  bryars  and  thornes  no  more  mall  fcratch 

nor  hungry  wolues  at  him  mall  catch 
He  erring  pathes  no  more  fhall  tread 

nor  wild  fruits  eate,  in  ftead  of  bread, 


Longing  for  Heaven. 

for  waters  cold  he  cloth  not  long 

for  thirfl  no  more  fhall  parch  his  tongue 
No  rugged  Hones  his  feet  fhall  gaule 

nor  flumps  nor  rocks  caufe  him  to  fall 
All  cares  and  feares,  he  bids  farwell 

and  meanes  in  fafity  now  to  dwell. 
A  pilgrim  I,  on  earth,  perplext 

wth  fmns  wth  cares  and  forrows  vext 
By  age  and  paines  brought  to  decay 

and  my  Clay  houfe  mouldring  away 
Oh  how  I  long  to  be  at  reft 

and  foare  on  high  among  the  blefl. 
This  body  fhall  in  filence  fleep 

Mine  eyes  no  more  fhall  ever  weep 
No  fainting  fits  fhall  me  affaile 

nor  grinding  paines,  my  body  fraile 
Wth  cares  and  fears  ne'r  cumbred  be 

Nor  lofles  know,  nor  forrowes  fee 
What  tho  my  flefh  fhall  there  confume 

it  is  the  bed  Chrifl  did  perfume 
And  when  a  few  yeares  fhall  be  gone 

this  mortall  fhall  be  cloth'd  vpon 
A  Corrupt  Carcaffe  downe  it  lyes 

a  glorious  body  it  fhall  rife 
In  weaknes  and  difhonour  fowne 

in  power  'tis  raif 'd  by  Chrifl  alone 
Then  foule  and  body  fhall  vnite 

and  of  their  maker  haue  the  fight 


44  Anne  Bradftreef  s  Works. 

Such  lafting  ioyes  fhall  there  behold 
as  eare  ne'r  heard  nor  tongue  e'er  told 

Lord  make  me  ready  for  that  day 

then  Come  deare  bridgrome  Come  away.* 

Aug:  31,  69. 

*  These  verses  are  printed  from  the  original  in  Mrs.  Bradstreet's  hand 
writing.     Her  spelling  and  punctuation  are  carefully  followed. 


MEDITATIONS, 


DIVINE  AND   MORAL. 


The   u  Meditations"   are    printed    from    the    original    in   Mrs. 
Bradstreet's   handwriting. 


Fac-simile  of  Ami e  Bradstreet*s 


) 


f  U  I     Inj    **~          7        /  K 

C/^WW 

&  .     /  -  'y/N 

2?«/c/?H  A«y>c/JPt%  /A^///jtA 
/,»  rtei/P0j£crrtr>  **»*.**** 
n^nen   w  MciT  fa &«+»'*  i 

Men  Jg  vaj-u f/affy  fAfMV 
•       ,r      i    -/•    A    /A      •  / 
/Ac   -tak-Lnfatfat 


For  my  deare  fonne  Simon   Bradftreet. 

ARENTS  perpetuate  their  Hues  in  their 
pofterity,  and  their  mariers  in  their  imita 
tion.  Children  do  natureally  rather  fol 
low  the  failings  then  the  vertues  of  their 
predeceffors,  but  I  am  perfwaded  better  things  of  you. 
You  once  deiired  me  to  leaue  fomething  for  you  in 
writeing  that  you  might  look  vpon  when  you  mould 
fee  me  no  more.  I  could  think  of  nothing  more 
fit  for  you,  nor  of  more  eafe  to  my  felf,  then  thefe 
fhort  meditations  following.  Such  as  they  are  I  be 
queath  to  you:  fma.ll  legacys  are  accepted  by  true 
friends,  much  more  by  du-ty  full  children.  I  haue 
avoyded  incroaching  upon  others  conceptions,  becaufe 
I  would  leaue  you  nothing  but  myne  owne,  though  in 
value  they  fall  fhort  of  all  in  this  kinde,  yet  I  prefume 
they  will  be  better  prif'd  by  you  for  the  Authors  fake, 
the  Lord  blefle  you  with  grace  heer,  and  crown  you 
with  glory  heerafter,  that  I  may  meet  you  with  re- 
joyceing  at  that  great  day  of  appearing,  which  is  the 
continuall  prayer,  of 

your  affectionate  mother, 
March  20,  1664.  A.  r>. 


48  Anne  Bradftreefs  Works. 

Meditations  Diuine  and  morall. 

I. 

nr^HERE  is  no  obiecl  that  we  fee;  no  action  that 
-*•  we  doe;  no  good  that  we  inioy;  no  evill  that  we 
feele,  or  fear,  but  we  may  make  fome  fpiritu[a]ll  ad- 
uantage  of  all:  and  he  that  makes  fuch  improvment 
is  wife,  as  well  as  pious. 


M 


II. 

ANY  can  fpeak  well,  but  few  can  do  well.  We 
are  better  fcholars  in  the  Theory  then  the 
pratique  part,  but  he  is  a  true  Chriftian  that  is  a  pro 
ficient  in  both. 

III. 

"\7~OUTH  is  the  time  of  getting,  middle  age  of  im- 
"•-  prouing,  and  old  age  of  fpending;  a  negligent 
youth  is  vfually  attended  by  an  ignorant  middle  age, 
and  both  by  an  empty  old  age-  He  that  hath  nothing 
to  feed  on  but  vanity  and  lyes  mufh  needs  lye  down 
in  the  Bed  of  forrow. 

IV. 

A  SHIP  that  beares  much  faile,  and  little  or  no 
"*•  ^  ballaft,  is  eafily  ouerfet;  and  that  man,  whofe 
head  hath  great  abilities,  and  his  heart  little  or  no 
grace,  is  in  danger  of  foundering. 


Meditations.  49 

V. 

TT  is  reported  of  the  peakcock  that,  prideing  himfelf 
-*•  in  his  gay  feathers,  he  ruffles  them  vp;  but,  fpying 
his  black  feet,  he  foon  lets  fall  his  plumes,  fo  he 
that  glorys  in  his  gifts  and  adornings,  mould  look 
vpon  his  Corruptions,  and  that  will  damp  his  high 
thoughts. 

VI. 

T^HE  fmefl  bread  hath  the  leail  bran;    the  purefl 
hony,  the  leaft  wax;  and  the  fmcereft  chriflian, 
the  leaft  felf  loue. 

VII. 

E  hireling  that  labours  all  the  day,  comforts 
himfelf  that  when  night  comes  he  mail  both  take 
his  reft,  and  receiue  his  reward;  the  painfull  chriftian 
that  hath  wrought  hard  in  Gods  vineyard,  and  hath 
born  the  heat  and  drought  of  the  day,  when  he  per- 
ceiues  his  fun  apace  to  decline,  and  the  fhadowes  of 
his  euening  to  be  ftretched  out,  lifts  vp  his  head  with 
joy,  knowing  his  refrefhing  is  at  hand. 


D 


VIII. 

(OWNNY   beds   make  drofey  perfons,   but  hard 
lodging   keeps    the   eyes  open.     A  profperous 
ftate  jnakes  a  fecure  Chriftian,  but  adverlity  makes 

him    Confider. 

7 


Anne  Bradftree?  s    Works. 


IX. 

SWEET  words  are  like  hony,  a  little  may  refrefh, 
but  too  much  gluts  the  ftomach. 

X. 

TAIUERSE  children  haue  their  different  natures; 
-*-^  fome  are  like  flefh  which  nothing  but  fait  will 
keep  from  putrefaction ;  fome  again  like  tender  fruits 
that  are  beft  preferued  with  fugar:  thofe  parents 
are  wife  that  can  fit  their  nurture  according  to  their 
Nature. 

XI. 

r  I  ^HAT  town  which  thoufands  of  enemys  without 
-*•  hath  not  been  able  to  take,  hath  been  deliuered 
vp  by  one  traytor  within;  and  that  man,  which  all  the 
temptations  of  Sathan  without  could  not  hurt,  hath 
been  foild  by  one  luft  within. 

XII. 

\  UTHORITY  without  wifedome  is  like  a  heavy 
•^   *•     axe  without  an  edg,  fitter  to  bruife  then  polifh. 

XIII. 

'  I  ^HE  reafon  why  chriftians  are  fo  loth  to  exchang 
this  world  for  a  better,  is  becaufe   they   haue 
more  fence  then  faith:    they  fe  what  they  inioy,  they 
do  but  hope  for  that  which  is  to  Come. 


Meditations. 


51 


XIV. 

TF  we  had  no  winter  the  fpring  would  not  be  fo 
A  pleafant:  if  we  did  not  fometimes  tail  of  adverfity, 
profperity  would  not  be  fo  welcome. 

XV. 

A  LOW  man  can  goe  vpright  vnder  that  door, 
•^  ^-  wher  a  taller  is  glad  to  ftoop;  fo  a  man  of 
weak  faith  and  mean  abilities,  may  vndergo  a  crofle 
more  patiently  then  he  that  excells  him,  both  in  gifts 
and  graces. 

XVI. 

'THHAT  houfe  which  is  not  often  fwept,  makes  the 
cleanly  inhabitant  foone  loath  it,  and  that  heart 
which  is  not  continually  purifieing  it  felf,  is  no  fit  tem 
ple  for  the  fpirit  of  god  to  dwell  in. 

XVII. 

•  ?EW  men  are  fo  humble  as  not  to  be  proud  of 
A  their  abilitys;  and  nothing  will  abafe  them  more 
then  this,  —  What  haft  thou,  but  what  thou  haft  re- 
ceiued  ?  come  giue  an  account  of  thy  ftewardfhip. 

XVIII. 

TTE  that  will  vntertake  to  climb  vp  a  fteep  moun- 
A  *-  tain  with  a  great  burden  on  his  back,  will  finde 
it  a  wearyfome,  if  not  an  impoffible  talk;  fo  he  that 


52  Anne  Bradftreet^s  Works. 

thinkes  to  mount  to  heaven  clog'd  with  the  Cares  and 
riches  of  this  Life,  'tis  no  wonder  if  he  faint  by  the 
way. 

XIX. 


,  till  it  haue  paft  through  the  Mill  and  been 
ground  to  powder,  is  not  fit  for  bread.  God  fo 
deales  with  his  fervants:  he  grindes  them  with  greif 
and  pain  till  they  turn  to  dull,  and  then  are  they  fit 
manchet*  for  his  Manfion. 

XX. 

hath  futable  comforts  and  fupports  for  his 
children  according  to  their  feuerall  conditions 
if  he  will  make  his  face  to  mine  vpon  them:  he  then 
makes  them  lye  dowTn  in  green  pafbures,  and  leades 
them  belides  the  ftill  waters;  if  they  Hick  in  deepe 
mire  and  clay,  and  all  his  wanes  and  billows  goe 
ouer  their  heads,  he  then  leads  them  to  the  Rock 
which  is  higher  then  they. 

XXI. 

T  TE  that  walks  among  briars  and  thorns  will  be 
A  -*•  very  care  full  where  he  fets  his  foot.  And  he 
that  pafles  through  the  wildernes  of  this  world,  had 
need  ponder  all  his  fteps. 

*  The  finest  white  rolls.    Nares. 


Meditations. 


XXII. 

11  7ANT    of    prudence,    as    well    as    piety,    hath 

brought    men  into  great  inconveniencys;    but 

he  that  is  well  ftored  with  both,  feldom  is  fo  infnared. 

XXIII. 

E  fldllfull  fifher  hath  his  feverall  baits  for  fev- 
erall  fim,  but  there  is  a  hooke  vnder  all;  Satan, 
that  great  Angler,  hath  his  fundry  baits  for  fundry 
tempers  of  men,  which  they  all  catch  gredily  at,  but 
few  perceiues  the  hook  till  it  be  to  late. 

XXIV. 

'THHERE  is  no  new  thing  vnder  the  fun,  there  is 
nothing  that  can  be  fayd  or  done,  but  either  that 
or  fomething  like  it  hath  ,been  both  done  and  fayd 
before. 


A 


XXV. 

N    akeing   head   requires    a   foft   pillow;   and    a 
drooping  heart  a  ftrong  fupport.. 

XXVI. 


\  SORE  finger  may  difquiet  the  whole  body,  but 
•^  ^  an  vlcer  within  deftroys  it:  fo  an  enemy  with 
out  may  difturb  a  Commonwealth,  but  diffentions 
within  ouer  throw  it. 


54  Anne  Bradjlreefs   Works. 

XXVII. 

TT  is  a  pleafant  thing  to  behold  the  light,  but  fore 
-*"  eyes  are  not  able  to  look  vpon  it ;  the  pure  in 
heart  fhall  fe  God,  but  the  defiled  in  confcience 
mail  rather  choofe  to  be  buried  vnder  rocks  and 
mountains  then  to  behold  the  prefence  of  the  Lamb. 

XXVIII. 

T  \  7ISEDOME  with    an    inheritance   is    good,    but 
wifedome  without  an  inheritance  is  better  then 
an  inheritance  without  wifedome. 


L 


XXIX. 

IGHTENING  doth  vfually  preceed  thunder,  and 
ftormes,  raine;  and  ftroaks  do  not  often  fall  till 


after  threat'ning. 


XXX. 


"XT'ELLOW  leaues  argue  the  want  of  fap,  and  gray 
•*•     haires  want  of  moifbure ;  fo  dry  and  faplefle  per 
formances  are  fimptoms  of  little  fpiritall  vigor. 


XXXI. 

TRON  till  it  be  thoroughly^  heat  is  vncapable  to  be 
•*•  wrought;  fo  God  fees  good  to  call  fome  men  into 
the  furnace  of  affliction,  and  then  beats  them  on  his 
anuile  into  what  frame  he  pleafes. 


Meditations.  55 

XXXII. 

A  MBITIOUS  men  are  like  hops  that  neuer  reft 
f  *-  climbing  foe  long  as  they  haue  any  thing  to  flay 
vpon;  but  take  away  their  props  and  they  are,  of  all, 
the  moft  deie6led. 

XXXIII. 

"TV  /TUCH  Labour  wearys  the  body,  and  many 
-L*-*-  thoughts  opprefTe  the  minde:  man  aimes  at 
profit  by  the  one,  and  content  in  the  other;  but  often 
mifles  of  both,  and  findes  nothing  but  vanity  and  vexa 
tion  of  fpirit. 

XXXIV. 

"FAIMNE  eyes  are  the  concomitants  of  old  age; 
*~?  and  fhort  fightednes,  in  thofe  that  are  eyes  of  a 
Republique,  foretels  a  declineing  State. 

XXXV. 

"\"\  7E  read  in  Scripture  of  three  forts  of  Arrows, — 
the  arrow  of  an  enemy,  the  arrow  of  peftilence, 
and  the  arrow  of  a  flanderous  tongue;  the  two  firft 
kill  the  body,  the  1  aft  the  good  name;  the  two  former 
leaue  a  man  when  he  is  once  dead,  but  the  laft  man 
gles  him  in  his  graue. 


56  Anne  Brad/lree?  s   Works. 


XXXVI. 

OORE  labourers  haue  hard  hands,  and  old  finners 
*^     haue  brawnie  Confciences. 


XXXVII. 

T 1  7ICKEDNES  comes    to   its   height  by   degrees. 
He  that  dares  fay  of  a  lefle  fin,  is  it  not  a  little 
one  ?  will  ere  long  fay  of  a  greater,  Tufh,  God  regards 
it  not  ! 


XXXVIII. 

Children  are  hardly  weaned,  although  the 
teat  be  rub'd  with  wormwood  or  mufbard,  they 
wil  either  wipe  it  off,  or  elfe  fuck  down  fweet 
and  bitter  together;  fo  is  it  with  fome  Chriftians,  let 
God  imbitter  all  the  fweets  of  this  life,  that  fo  they 
might  feed  vpon  more  fubflantiall  food,  yet  they  are  fo 
childilhly  fottifh  that  they  are  ilill  huging  and  fuck 
ing  thefe  empty  brefts,  that  God  is  forced  to  hedg  vp 
their  way  with  thornes,  or  lay  affliction  on  their  loynes, 
that  fo  they  might  make  hands  with  the  world  before 
it  bid  them  farwell. 

XXXIX. 

A  PRUDENT  mother  will  not  cloth  her  little 
T  *-  childe  with  a  long  and  cumberfome  garment; 
me  ealily  forefees  what  euents  it  is  like  to  produce,  at 
the  beft  but  falls  and  bruifes,  or  perhaps  fomewhat 


Meditations.  5  y 

wdrfe,  much  more  will  the  alwife  God  proportion  his 
dilpenfations  according  to  the  ftature  and  ftrength  of 
the  perfon  he  beftowes  them  on.  Larg  indowments 
of  honour,  wealth,  or  a  helthfull  body  would  quite 
ouerthrow  foine  weak  Chriftian,  therefore  God  cuts 
their  garments  fhort,  to  keep  them  in  fuch  a  trim  that 
they  might  run  the  wayes  of  his  Commandment. 

XL. 

r  I  "*HE  fpring  is  a  liuely  emblem  of  the  refurreclion, 
"*•  after  a  long  winter  we  fe  the  leavleffe  trees  and 
dry  flocks  (at  the  approach  of  the  fun)  to  refume 
their  former  vigor  and  beavty  in  a  more  ample  man 
ner  then  what  they  loft  in  the  Autumn;  fo  mall  it  be 
at  that  great  day  after  a  long  vacation,  when  the  Sun 
of  righteoulmes  mail  appear,  thofe  dry  bones  mall 
arife  in  far  more  glory  then  that  which  they  loft  at 
their  creation,  and  in  this  tranfcends  the  fpring,  that 
their  leafe  mail  neuer  faile,  nor  their  fap  decline. 

XLI. 

A  WISE  father  will  not  lay  a  burden  on  a  child  of 
•^  *•  feven  yeares  old,  which  he  knows  is  enough  for 
one  of  twice  his  ftrength,  much  lefTe  will  our  heauenly 
father  (who  knowes  our  mould),  lay  fuch  afflictions 
vpon  his  weak  children  as  would  crufh  them  to  the 
duft,  but  according  to  the  ftrength  he  will  proportion 
the  load,  as  God  hath  his  little  children  fo  he  hath  his 
ftrong  men,  fuch  as  are  come  to  a  full  Stature  in  Chrift; 


58  Anne  Bradftreet'*  s  Works. 

and  many  times  he  impofes  waighty  burdens  on  their 
moulders,  and  yet  they  go  vpright  vnder  them,  but  it 
matters  not  whether  the  load  be  more  or  leffe  if  God 
afford  his  help. 

XLII. 

T  HAUE  feen  an  end  of  all  perfection  (fayd  the 
royall  prophet)  \*  but  he  never  fayd,  I  haue  feen 
an  end  of  all  finning:  what  he  did  fay,  may  be  eafily 
fayd  by  many;  but  what  he  did  not  fay,  cannot  truly 
be  vttered  by  any. 

XLIII. 


•  TIRE  hath  its  force  abated  by  water,  not  by  wind; 
•*•  and  anger  mull  be  alayed  by  cold  words,  and 
not  by  bluilering  threats. 

XLIV. 

A  SHARP  appetite  and  a  through  conco6lion,  is 
-^  ^  a  figne  of  an  healthfull  body;  fo  a  quick  recep 
tion,  and  a  deliberate  cogitation,  argues  a  found  mind. 

XLV. 

"\  T  7E  often  fe  ftones  hang  with  drops,  not  from  any 

*  *     innate  moifture,  but  from  a  thick  ayre   about 

them;  fo  may  we  fometime  fe  marble-hearted  finners 

feem  full  of  contrition;  but  it  is  not  from  any  dew  of 

*  PSALM  cxix.  96. 


Meditations. 


59 


grace  within,  but  from   ibme  black  Clouds  that  im 
pends  them,  which  produces  thefe  fweating  effects. 

XLVI. 

r  I  ^HE  words  of  the  wife,  fath  Solomon,*  are  as 
nailes,  and  as  goads,  both  vfed  for  contrary 
ends,  —  the  one  holds  faft,  the  other  puts  forward; 
fuch  mould  be  the  precepts  of  the  wife  mailers  of 
aiTemblys  to  their  heareres,  not  only  to  bid  them  hold 
faft  the  form  of  found  Doclrin,  but  alfo,  fo  to  run  that 
they  might  obtain. 

XLVII. 

\  SHADOW  in  the  parching  fun,  and  a  Ihelter  in 
•*•  *•  a  bluftering  ilorme,  are  of  all  feafons  the  moil 
welcom;  fo  a  faithfull  friend  in  time  of  adverlity,  is 
of  all  other  moft  comfortable. 

XLVIIL 

ERE  is  nothing  admits  of  more  admiration, 
then  Gods  various  difpenfation  of  his  gifts  among 
the  fons  of  men,  betwixt  whom  he  hath  put  fo  vaft  a 
difproportion  that  they  fcarcly  feem  made  of  the 
fame  lump,  or  fprung  out  of  the  loynes  of  one  Adam; 
ibme  fet  in  the  higheft  dignity  that  mortality  is  capa 
ble  off;  and  fome  again  fo  bafe,  that  they  are  viler 

*  "  The  words  of  the  wise  are  as  goads,  and  as  nails  fastened  by  the 
masters  of  assemblies,  -which  are  given  from  one  shepherd."  —  ECCL.  xii. 


60  Anne  Bradftreefs   Works. 

then  the  earth:  fome  Ib  wife  and  learned,  that  they 
feeme  like  Angells  among  men;  and  fome  againe  fo 
ignorant  and  fotiih,  that  they  are  more  like  beafts  then 
men:  fome  pious  faints;  fome  incarnate  Deuils:  fome 
exceeding  beautyfull;  and  fome  extreamly  deformed: 
fome  fo  ftrong  and  hea.lthfull  that  their  bones  are  full 
of  marrow,  and  their  breafts  of  milk;  and  fome  againe 
fo  weak  and  feeble,  that,  while  they  Hue,  they  are  ac 
counted  among  the  dead,  —  and  no  other  reafon  can 
be  giuen  of  all  this,  but  fo  it  pleafed  him,  whofe  will 
is  the  perfect  rule  of  righteoufnefTe. 

XLIX. 

r  I  ^HE  treafures  of  this  world  may  well  be  compared 
•^  to  hufkes,  for  they  haue  no  kernell  in  them,  and 
they  that  feed  vpon  them,  may  foon  ftuffe  their  throats, 
but  cannot  fill  their  bellys;  they  may  be  choaked  by 
them,  but  cannot  be  fatisfied  with  them. 

L. 

OOMTIMES  the  fun  is  only  madowed  by  a  cloud 
^-^  that  wee  cannot  fe  his  luiler,  although  we  may 
walk  by  his  light,  but  when  he  is  let  we  are  in  dark- 
nes  till  he  arife  againe;  fo  God  doth  fomtime  vaile 
his  face  but  for  a  moment,  that  we  cannot  behold  the 
light  of  his  Countenance  as.at  fome  other  time,  yet  he 
affords  fo  much  light  as  may  direct  our  way,  that  we 
may  go  forwards  to  the  Citty  of  habitation,  but  when 
he  feemes  to  let  and  be  quite  gone  out  of  light,  then 


Meditations.  6 1 

muft  we  needs  walk  in  darknerTe  and  fe  no  light,  yet 
then  mult  we  trull  in  the  Lord,  and  ftay  vpon  our 
God,  and  when  the  morning  (which  is  the  appointed 
time)  is  come,  the  Sun  of  righteoufnes  will  arife  with 


healing  in  his  wings. 


LI. 


HT^HE  eyes  and  the  eares  are  the  inlets  or  doores  of 
-*-  the  foule,  through  which  innumerable  objects 
enter,  yet  is  not  that  fpacious  roome  filled,  neither  doth 
it  euer  fay  it  is  enough,  but  like  the  daughters  of  the 
horfleach,  crys  giue,  giue !  *  and  which  is  moft 
Itrang,  the  more  it  receius,  the  more  empty  it  finds 
it  felf,  and  fees  an  impoffibility,  euer  to  be  filled,  but 
by  him  in  whom  all  fullnes  dwells. 

LII. 

T  TAD  not  the  wifelt  of  men  taught  vs  this  lerTon, 
•*-  •*•  that  all  is  vanity  and  vexation  of  fpirit,  yet  our 
owne  experience  would  foon  haue  fpeld  it  out;  for 
what  do  we  obtaine  of  all  thefe  things,  but  it  is  with 
labour  and  vexation?  when  we  injoy  them  it  is 
with  vanity  and  vexation;  and,  if  we  loofe  them,  then 
they  are  lefle  then  vanity  and  more  then  vexation:  fo 
that  we  haue  good  caufe  often  to  repeat  that  fentence, 
vanity  of  vanityes,  vanity  of  vanityes,  all  is  vanity. 


*  ''The  horseleach  hath  two  daughters,  crying,  Give,  give."  —  PROV. 
xxx.   15. 


6 2  Anne  Bradftreet  s    Works. 


LIII. 

T  TE  that  is  to  faile  into  a  farre  country,  although 
-*-  *•  the  ihip,  cabbin,  and  prouilion,  be  all  convenient 
and  comfortable  for  him,  yet  he  hath  no  deiire  to 
make  that  his  place  of  refidence,  but  longs  to  put  in 
at  that  port  wher  his  buffines  lyes:  a  chriftian  is  fail 
ing  through  this  world  vnto  his  heauenly  country,  and 
heere  he  hath  many  conueniences  and  comforts;  but 
he  muft  beware  of  defire[ing]  to  make  this  the  place  of 
his  abode,  left  he  meet  with  fuch  toffings  that  may 
caufe  him  to  long  for  more  before  he  fees  land.  We 
muft,  therfore,  be  heer  as  ftrangers  and  pilgrims,  that 
we  may  plainly  declare  that  we  feek  a  citty  aboue, 
and  wait  all  the  dayes  of  our  appointed  time  till  our 
chang  mall  come. 

LIV. 

T  TE  that  neuer  felt  what  it  was  to  be  lick  or 
•*•  wounded,  doth  not  much  care  for  the  company 
of  the  phifitian  or  chirurgian;  but  if  he  perceiue  a 
malady  that  threatens  him  with  death,  he  will  gladly 
entertaine  him,  whom  he  flighted  before:  fo  he  that 
neuer  felt  the  licknes  of  fin,  nor  the  wounds  of  a 
guilty  Confcience,  cares  not  how  far  he  keeps  from 
him  that  hath  fkill  to  cure  it;  but  when  he  findes  his 
difeafes  to  difreft  him,  and  that  he  muft  needs  perifh 
if  he  haue  no  remedy,  will  vnfeignedly  bid  him  wel- 


Meditations.  63 

come  that  brings  a  plaifter  for  his  lore,  or  a  cordial  1 
for  his  fainting. 

LV. 

"\  \  7E  read  of  ten  lepers  that  were  Cleanfed,  but  of 
one  that  returned  thanks:  we  are  more  ready 
to  receiue  mercys  then  we  are  to  acknowledg  them: 
men  can  vfe  great  importunity  when  they  are  in  dif- 
treiTes,  and  mew  great  ingratitude  after  their  fuccefles ; 
but  he  that  ordereth  his  conuerfation  aright,  will 
glorifie  him  that  heard  him  in  the  day  of  his  trouble. 

LVI. 

r  I  ^HE  remembrance  of  former  deliuerances  is  a  great 
•*•  fupport  in  prefent  deftrefles:  he  that  deliuered 
me,  fath  Dauid,  from  the  paw  of  the  Lion  and  the 
paw  of  the  Beare,  will  deliuer  mee  from  this  vncir- 
cumcifed  Philiftin;  and  he  that  hath  deliuered  mee, 
faith  Paul,  will  deliuer  me:  God  is  the  fame  yefter- 
day,  to  day,  and  for  euer;  we  are  the  fame  that  Hand 
in  need  of  him,  today  as  well  as  yefterday,  and  fo 
mail  for  euer. 

LVII. 

EAT  receipts  call  for  great  returnes,  the  more 
that  any  man  is  intrufted  withall,  the  larger  his 
accounts  ftands  vpon  Gods  fcore:  it  therfore  be- 
houes  euery  man  fo  to  improue  his  talents,  that  when 


64  Anne  Bradftreefs   Works. 

his  great  mailer  mall  call  him  to  reckoning  he   may 
receiue  his  owne  with  advantage. 


LVIIL 

OIN  and  fhame  euer  goe  together.  He  that  would 
*^  be  freed  from  the  laft,  muft  be  fure  to  fhun  the 
company  of  the  firft. 

LIX. 

D  doth  many  times  both  reward  and  punifh  for 
one  and  the  fame  action:  as  we  fee  in  Jehu,  he 
is  rewarded  with  a  kingdome  to  the  fourth  generation, 
for  takeing  veangence  on  the  houfe  of  Ahab ;  and  yet 
a  little  while  (faith  God),  and  I  will  avenge  the  blood 
of  Jezerel  vpon  the  houfe  of  Jehu:  he  was  rewarded 
for  the  matter,  and  yet  punifhed  for  the  manner,  which 
mould  warn  him,  that  doth  any  fpeciall  feruice  for  God, 
to  fixe  his  eye  on  the  command,  and  not  on  his  own 
ends,  left  he  meet  with  Jehu's  reward,  which  will  end 
in  punifhment. 

LX. 

T  TE  that  would  be  content  with  a  mean  condition, 
"^  •*•  muft  not  caft  his  eye  vpon  one  that  is  in  a  far 
better  eftate  then  himfelf,  but  let  him  look  vpon  him 
that  is  lower  then  he  is,  and,  if  he  fe  that  fuch  a 
one  beares  pouerty  comfortably,  it  will  help  to  quiet 
him;  but  if  that  will  not  do,  let  him  look  on  his  owne 


Meditations.  65 

vnworthynes,  and  that  will  make  him  fay  with  Jacob, 
I  am  lefle  then  the  leaft  of  thy  mercys. 

LXI. 

>RNE  is  produced  with  much  labour  (as  the 
hufbandman  well  knowes),  and  fome  land  afkes 
much  more  paines  then  fome  other  doth  to  be  brought 
into  tilth,  yet  all  muft  be  ploughed  and  harrowed  ; 
fome  children  (like  fowre  land)  are  of  fo  tough  and 
morofe  a  difpo[fi]tion,  that  the  plough  of  correction 
muft  make  long  furrows  on  their  back,  and  the  Har 
row  of  difcipline  goe  often  ouer  them,  before  they  bee 
fit  foile  to  fow  the  feed  of  morality,  much  lefle  of 
grace  in  them.  But  when  by  prudent  nurture  they  are 
brought  into  a  fit  capacity,  let  the  feed  of  good  in- 
ftruction  and  exhortation  be  fown  in  the  fpring  of  their 
youth,  and  a  plentifull  crop  may  be  expected  in  the 
harueft  of  their  yeares. 

LXII. 

A  S  man  is  called  the  little  world,  fo  his  heart  may 
be  caPd  the  little  Commonwealth:  his  more 
fixed  and  refolued  thoughts  are  like  to  inhabitants,  his 
flight  and  flitting  thoughts  are  like  paflengers  that 
trauell  to  and  fro  continvally;  here  is  alfo  the  great 
Court  of  iuftice  erected,  which  is  alway  kept  by  con- 
fcience  who  is  both  accufer,  excufer,  witnes,  and 
Judg,  whom  no  bribes  can  pervert,  nor  flattery  caufe 
to  favour,  but  as  he  finds  the  evidence,  fo  he  abfolues 

or  condemnes:  yea,  fo  Abfolute  is  this  Court  of  Judi- 

9 


66  Anne  Bradftreefs   Works. 

cature,  that  there  is  no  appeale  from  it,  —  no,  not  to 
the  Court  of  heaven  itfelf, —  for  if  our  confcience  con 
demn  vs,  he,  alfo,  who  is  greater  then  our  confcience, 
will  do  it  much  more;  but  he  that  would  haue  bolcl- 
nes  to  go  to  the  throne  of  grace  to  be  accepted  there, 
mufh  be  fure  to  carry  a  certificate  from  the  Court  of 
confcience,  that  he  Hands  right  there. 

LXIII. 

T  TE  that  would  keep  a  pure  heart,  and  lead  a 
•*•  -*-  blamleffe  life,  mufl  fet  himfelf  alway  in  the 
awefull  prefence  of  God,  the  conlideration  of  his  all- 
feeing  eye  will  be  a  bridle  to  reflrain  from  evill,  and  a 
fpur  to  quicken  on  to  good  dutys:  we  certainly  dream 
of  fome  remotnes  betwixt  God  and  vs,  or  elfe  we 
mould  not  fo  often  faile  in  our  whole  Courfe  of  life  as 
we  doe;  but  he,  that  with  David,  fets  the  Lord  alway 
in  his  fight,  will  not  fmne  againfl  him. 

LXIV. 

\\  TE  fee  in  orchards  fome  trees  foe  fruitfull,  that 
*  ^  the  waight  of  their  Burden  is  the  breaking  of 
their  limbes;  fome  again  are  but  meanly  loaden;  and 
fome  haue  nothing  to  fhewT  but  leaues  only;  and  fome 
among  them  are  dry  flocks:  fo  is  it  in  the  church, 
which  is  Gods  orchard,  there  are  fome  eminent  Chrif- 
tians  that  are  foe  frequent  in  good  dutys,  that  many 
times  the  waight  therof  impares  both  their  bodys  and 
eflates;  and  there  are  fome  (and  they  fincere  ones 


Meditations,  67 

too)  who  haue  not  attained  to  that  fruitfullnes,  altho 
they  aime  at  perfection:  And  again  there  are  others 
that  haue  nothing  to  commend  them  but  only  a  gay 
proffeffion,  and  thefe  are  but  leavie  chriflians,  which 
are  in  as  much  danger  of  being  cut  down  as  the  dry 
ftock,  for  both  cumber  the  ground. 

LXV. 

"\  \  7E  fee   in   the   firmament  there   is   but  one  Sun 
among  a  multitude  of  ftarres,  and  thofe  flarres 
alfo  to  differ  much  one  from  the  other  in  regard  of 
bignes  and  brightnes,  yet  all  receiue  their  light  from 
that  one  Sun :  fo  is  it  in  the  church  both  militant  and 
triumphant,  there  is  but  one  Chrift,  who  is  the  Sun  of 
righteoufhes,  in  the  midefl  of  an  innumerable   com 
pany  of  Saints  and  Angels;  thofe  Saintes  haue  their 
degrees  euen  in  this  life,  fome  are  Stars   of  the  firil 
magnitude,   and  fome   of  a  lefie  degree;    and  others 
(and   they    indeed    the    moil    in  number),  but   fmall 
and  obfcure,  yet  all  receiue  their  lufler  (be  it  more  or 
lefle)  from  that  glorious  fun  that  inlightens  all  in  all; 
and,  if  fome  of  them  mine  fo  bright  while  they  moue 
on  earth,  how  tranfcendently  fplendid  mail  they  be? 
when  they  are  fixt  in  their  heauenly  fpheres! 

LXVI. 

A  /TEN  that  haue  walked  very  extrauagantly,  and  at 
T*-*  laft  bethink  themfelues  of  turning  to  God,  the 
firft  thing  which  they  eye,  is  how  to  reform  their 


68  Anne  Bradftreef  s    Works. 

wayes  rather  then  to  beg  forgiuenes  for  their  linnes : 
nature  lookes  more  at  a  Compenfation  then  at  a  par 
don;  but  he  that  will  not  Come  for  mercy  without 
mony  and  without  price,  but  bring  his  filthy  raggs  to 
barter  for  it,  mail  meet  with  miferable  difapointment, 
going  away  empty,  beareing  the  reproch  of  his  pride 
and  folly. 

LXVII. 

A  LL  the  works  and  doings  of  God  are  wonderfull, 
.  *"  but  none  more  awfull  then  his  great  worke  of 
election  and  Reprobation;  when  we  confider  how 
many  good  parents  haue  had  bad  children,  and  againe 
how  many  bad  parents  haue  had  pious  children,  it 
mould  make  vs  adore  the  Souerainty  of  God,  who  will 
not  be  tyed  to  time  nor  place,  nor  yet  to  perfons,  but 
takes  and  chufes  when  and  where  and  whom  he 
pleafes:  it  mould  alfoe  teach  the  children  of  godly 
parents  to  w^alk  with  feare  and  trembling,  left  they, 
through  vnbeleif,  fall  fhort  of  a  promife:  it  may  alfo 
be  a  fupport  to  fuch  as  haue  or  had  wicked  parents, 
that,  if  they  abide  not  in  vnbeleif,  God  is  able  to 
grafFe  them  in:  the  vpfhot  of  all  mould  make's  vs,  with 
the  Apoftle,  to  admire  the  iuftice  and  mercy  of  God, 
and  fay,  how  vnfearchable  are  his  wayes,  and  his  foot- 
fteps  pail  rinding  out. 


Meditations*  69 


LXVIII. 

rTHHE  gifts  that  God  bellows  on  the  fons  of  men,  are 
-*-  not  only  abufed,  but  moll  Commonly  imployed 
for  a  Clean  Contrary  end,  then  that  which  they  were 
giuen  for,  as  health,  wealth,  and  honour,  which  might 
be  fo  many  Heps  to  draw  men  to  God  in  conlideration 
of  his  bounty  towards  them,  but  haue  driuen  them  the 
further  from  him,  that  they  are  ready  to  fay,  we  are 
lords,  we  will  come  no  more  at  thee.  If  outward 
bleffings  be  not  as  wings  to  help  vs  mount  vpwards, 
they  will  Certainly  proue  Clogs  and  waights  that  will 
pull  vs  lower  downward. 

LXIX. 

A  LL  the  Comforts  of  this  life  may  be  compared  to 
P  ^  the  gourd  of  Jonah,  that  notwithilanding  we 
take  great  delight  for  a  feafon  in  them,  and  find  their 
fhadow  very  comfortable,  yet  there  is  fome  worm  or 
other  of  difcontent,  of  feare,  or  greife  that  lyes  at  the 
root,  which  in  great  part  withers  the  pleafure  which 
elfe  we  mould  take  in  them;  and  well  it  is  that  we 
perceiue  a  decay  in  their  greennes,  for  were  earthly 
comforts  permanent,  who  would  look  for  heauenly? 

LXX. 

A   LL  men  are  truly  fayd  to  be  tenants  at  will,  and 

•  V    it  mav  as  truly  be  fayd,  that  all  haue  a  leafe  of 

their  Hues,  —  fome  longer,  fome  fhorter, — as  it  pleafes 


70  Anne  Bradftreefs   Works. 

our  great  landlord  to  let.  All  haue  their  bounds  let, 
ouer  which  they  cannot  paffe,  and  till  the  expiration 
of  that  time,  no  dangers,  no  ficknes,  no  paines  nor 
troubles,  fhall  put  a  period  to  our  dayes;  the  certainty 
that  that  time  will  come,  together  with  the  vncer- 
tainty  how,  where,  and  when,  mould  make  vs  fo  to 
number  our  dayes  as  to  apply  our  hearts  to  wifedome, 
that  when  wee  are  put  out  of  thefe  houfes  of  clay,  we 
may  be  fure  of  an  euerlalting  habitation  that  fades 
not  away. 

LXXI. 

A  LL  weak  and  difeafed  bodys  haue  hourly  me- 
•^  ^-  mentos  of  their  mortality.  But  the  founder! 
of  men  haue  likwife  their  nightly  monitor  by  the  em- 
bleain  of  death,  which  is  their  deep  (for  fo  is  death 
often  calld),  and  not  only  their  death,  but  their  graue 
is  liuely  reprefented  before  their  eyes,  by  beholding 
their  bed;  the  morning  may  mind  them  of  the  refur- 
re6tion;  and  the  fun  approaching,  of  the  appearing  of 
the  Sun  of  righteoufnes,  at  whofe  comeing  they  fhall  all 
rife  out  of  their  beds,  the  long  night  fhall  fly  aw^ay, 
and  the  day  of  eternity  fhall  neuer  end :  feeing  thefe 
things  mult  be,  what  manner  of  perfons  ought  we  to 
be,  in  all  good  converfation  ? 

LXXIL 

A  S  the  brands  of  a  fire,  if  once  fevered,  will  of 
•*•  *-  themfelues  goe  out,  altho  you  vfe  no  other 
meanes  to  extinguifh  them,  fo  diftance  of  place,  to- 


Meditations.  7 1 

gether  with  length  of  time  (if  there  be  no  intercourfe) 
will  coole  the  affectiones  of  intimate  friends,  though 
there  mould  be  no  difpleaience  betweene  them. 

LXXIII. 

A     GOOD  name  is  as  a  precious  oyntment,  and  it  is 
•*•  a  great  favour  to  haue  a  good  repute  among 

good  men;  yet  it  is  not  that  which  Commends  vs  to 
God,  for  by  his  ballance  we  muft  be  weighed,  and  by 
his  Judgment  we  muft  be  tryed,  and,  as  he  pafles  the 
fentence,  fo  mall  we  Hand. 

LXXIV. 

Tl  7ELL  doth  the  Apoftle  call  riches  deceitfull 
riches,  and  they  may  truely  be  compared  to  de 
ceitfull  friends  who  fpeake  faire,  and  promife  much, 
but  perform  nothing,  and  fo  leaue  thofe  in  the  lurch 
that  moil  relyed  on  them:  fo  is  it  with  the  wealth, 
honours,  and  pleafures  of  this  world,  which  miferably 
delude  men  and  make  them  put  great  confidence  in 
them,  but  when  death  threatens,  and  diftrefle  lays  hold 
vpon  them,  they  proue  like  the  reeds  of  Egipt  that 
peirce  infleed  of  fupporting,*  like  empty  wells  in 
the  time  of  drought,  that  thofe  that  go  to  finde  water 
in  them,  return  with  their  empty  pitchers  afhamed. 

*  "  Now,  behold,  thou  trustest  upon  the  staff  of  this  bruised  reed,  even 
upon  Egypt,  on  which  if  a  man  lean,  it  will  go  into  his  hand,  and  pierce  it." 
—  2  KINGS  xviii.  21. 


72  Anne  Bradftreefs   Works. 


LXXV. 

TT  is  admirable  to  confider  the  power  of  faith,  by 
•*•  which  all  things  are  (almofl)  poflible  to  be  done: 
it  can  remoue  mountaines  (if  need  were)  it  hath  ftayd 
the  courfe  of  the  fun,  raifed  the  dead,  caft  out  divels, 
reverfed  the  order  of  nature,  quenched  the  violence  of 
the  fire,  made  the  water  become  firme  footing  for 
Peter  to  walk  on;  nay  more  then  all  thefe,  it  hath 
ouercome  the  Omnipotent  himfelf,  as  when  Mofes  in 
tercedes  for  the  people,  God  fath  to  him,  let  me 
alone  that  I  may  deftroy  them,  as  if  Mofes  had  been 
able,  by  the  hand  of  faith,  to  hold  the  everlafting 
armes  of  the  mighty  God  of  Jacob  ;  yea,  Jacob  him 
felf,  when  he  wreftled  with  God  face  to  face  in  Pen- 
iel:  let  me  go!  fath  that  Angell.  I  will  not  let 
thee  go,  replys  Jacob,  till  thou  blefle  me!  faith  is 
not  only  thus  potent,  but  it  is  fo  neceffary  that  without 
faith  there  is  no  falvation,  therfore,  with  all  our  feek- 
ings  and  gettings,  let  vs  aboue  all  feek  to  obtain  this 
pearle  of  prife. 

LXXVI. 

OME  chriftians  do  by  their  lufts  and  Corruptions  as 
the  Ifralits  did  by  the  Canaanites,  not  deftroy 
them,  but  put  them  vnder  tribute,  for  that  they  could  do 
(as  they  thought)  with  lefle  hazard,  and  more  profit; 
but  what  was  the  Iffue  ?  they  became  a  fnare  vnto  them, 
prickes  in  their  eyes,  and  thornes  in  their  fides,  and  at 


Meditations.  73 

laft  ouercame  them,  and  kept  them  vnder  flauery:  fo 
it  is  moft  certain  that  thofe  that  are  difobedient  to  the 
Command  of  God,  and  endeavour  not  to  the  vtmoft  to 
drive  out  all  their  accurfed  inmates,  but  make  a  league 
with  them,  they  mail  at  laft  fall  into  perpetuall  bond 
age  vnder  them  vnlefTe  the  great  deliuerer,  Chrift 
Jefus,  come  to  their  refcue. 

LXXVII. 

OD  hath  by  his  prouidence  fo  ordered,  that  no 
one  Covntry  hath  all  Commoditys  within  it  felf, 
but  what  it  wants,  another  mail  fupply,  that  fo  there 
may  be  a  mutuall  Commerce  through  the  world.  As 
it  is  with  Covntrys  fo  it  is  with  men,  there  was  neuer 
yet  any  one  man  that  had  all  excellences,  let  his 
parts,  naturall  and  acquired,  fpirituall  and  morall,  be 
neuer  fo  large,  yet  he  Hands  in  need  of  fomething 
which  another  man  hath,  (perhaps  meaner  then  him- 
felf,)  which  mews  vs  perfection  is  not  below,  as  alfo, 
that  God  will  haue  vs  beholden  one  to  another. 


hond  and  dear  mother  intended  to  haue  rilled  up   this 
Book  with  the  like  obfervations,  but  was   prevented  by 
Death.* 

*  This  note  is  in  the  handwriting  of  the  Rev.  Simon  Bradstreet. 

10 


74  Anne  Bradjireet^  s  Works. 

Ad  Sim.  Bradftreet  filium  charifsimum  meum. 

TN  posteris  Parentes  vitam  perpetuam  faciunt,  &  in 

liberorum  imitatione,  mores  diuturnos. 
Naturaliter  tamen  posteritati  inefl  difpositio  magis, 
defe6lus  majorum  quam  vertutes  imitari.  Sed  a  te, 
meliora,  mi  Fili,  expe<5lo.  Tu  enim,  petiisti,  ut  scrip- 
tioni  tibi  legendum,  aliquid,  cum  ab  oculis  detraherer, 
committerem.  His  igitur  sequentibus  meditatiuncu- 
lis,  nihil  venit  in  mentem,  tibi  idoneus,  mihi  nihil 
facilius.  Qiialia  funt  addico  tibi.  Parva  ab  amicis 
acceptabilia  funt  dona,  multo  magis,  a  filiis  piis.  Co- 
gitationes  aliorum  quo  nullas  nifi  vere  maternas  darem, 
studiose  vitavi;  quas,  magni  estimandas,  credo,  mei 
cauia,  futuras,  licet  seipsis,  parvas  fuerint.  Largiatur 
tibi  in  hac  vita  gratiam  suam  Jehovah,  &  posthac 
glorise  coronam  donet,  ut  in  Die  judicii,  gaudio 
te  summo,  afpiciam.  —  Sic  Deum  continue  fupplice 

rogat 

Tua  amantifsima  Parens, 

ANN  BRADSTREET. 

Mar.  20.  1664. 

Hsec  Epiftola  Romano  Sermone  verfus  eft  a  Si- 
mone  Bradftreet  hujus  Excellentifsimae  Faeminae 
Pronepote,  cum  fequentibus  meditatiunculis.* 

• 

*  "  This  epistle  was  translated  into  the  Roman  Language  by  Simon 
Bradstreet,  this  most  excellent  woman's  great-grandson,  together  with  the 
following  short  meditations." 

This   Simon   Bradstreet  was   son  of  the   Rev.    Simon   Bradstreet,    of 


Meditations.  75 


Meditationes  Divince  &  Ethiccz. 

I. 

•  7ST  nihil  occulis  vifibile,  hominum  nullae  a6tiones, 
•*— '  nullum  acquiiitum  bonum,  nullum  praefens  uel 
futurum  malum,  a  quibus  omnibus  animi  salutem  & 
utilitatem  promovere  non  pofsimus  —  Et  ille  homo, 
non  minus  sapiens,  quam  pius  eft,  qui  tales  fructus  ab 

eis  carpit. 

II. 

T)LURIMI  queant  bene  loqui,  at  paucis  bene  agere. 

Majores  in  fpeculatione,  quam  fumus  in  actione. 

Ipfe  autem  revera  Chriftianus  est  qui  in  utrifque  pro- 

ficit. 

III. 

TUVENTUS  est  capiendi,  ampliandi  aetas  media  & 
*^  utendi  fenectus,  optima  opportunitas.  Juventus 
remifsa,  ignorantem  facit  mediam  aetatem,  &  fere,  fen- 
e6lutem,  utraeque  vacuam  reduat.  Et  cujus  eft  taritum 
vanitate  &  mendaciis  cibus,  cubitum  maeftus  eft  eun- 
dum. 

Charlestown,  Mass.,  and  grandson  of  the  Rev.  Simon  Bradstreet,  of  New 
London,  Conn.  He  was  graduated  at  Harvard  College  in  1728,  and  was  or 
dained  minister  of  the  Second  Church  in  Marblehead,  Mass.,  Jan.  4,  1738, 
to  fill  the  place  of  the  Rev.  Edward  Holyoke,  who  had  been  elected  Presi 
dent  of  Harvard  College.  He  is  described  as  "  a  moft  worthy,  pious, 
devout  chriftian,  and  faithful  paftor,"  and  also  as  "  an  excellent  fcholar." 
—  MASS.  HIST.  COLL.,  viii.  75-76. 

This  Latin  translation  was  probably  made  in  his  youth.     He  died  Oct. 
5, 


76 


Anne  Bradftreef  s  Works. 


IV. 

T  TT  navis  qux  nimium  vela  petit  fubtimia,*  nul- 
^^  lamq;  habens  vel  levem  fuburram,f  cito  everti- 
tur,  sic  homo  multa  scientia  ac  doclrina,  fed  gratia  & 
prudentia  parva  praeditus,  ab  imis  ruinae  profunditati- 
bus  non  procul  abest. 


*  Sublimia. 


f  Saburram. 


POEMS. 


THE  "  POEMS"  are  printed  from  the  second  edition,  which  was 
published  in  Boston,  in  1678,  and  which  contained  the  author's 
corrections,  and  some  unpublished  pieces.  Fac-similes  of  the  title- 
pages  of  the  first  and  second  editions  are  given. 


I  -3r£o2ftl^£n3rSr»Sft^^ 

THE 

TENTH   MUSE 

Lately  fprung  up  in  AMERICA. 
OR 

Severall  Poems,  compiled 

with  great  variety  of  Wit 

and  Learning,full  of  delight. 
Wherein  efpecially  is  contained  a  com- 
pleat  difcourfe  and  defcription  of 
Elements, 


Seafons  of  the  Tear. 

Together  with  an  Exa6t  Epitomie  of 
the  Four  Monarchies,  viz. 

/•  Affyrian, 
mi         j  Per/ian* 
The    \Grecian, 

(  Roman. 

Alfo  a  Dialogue  between  Old  England  and 
New,  concerning  the  late  troubles. 

With  divers  other  pleafant  and  ferious  Poems. 

By  a  Gentlewoman  in  thofe  parts. 

Printed  at  "London  for  Stephen  Bo-wtell  at  the  figne  of  the  j 
Bible  in  Popes  Head-Alley.     1650. 


& 
%  SEVERAL  j£ 

!  P  O  E  M  S 

^  Compiled  with  great  variety  of  Wit  and 
Learning,  full  of  Delight ; 

^J^P 

«*&     Wherein  efpecially  is  contained  a  compleat      •*§" 
Difcourfe,  and  Defcription  of 

ELEMENTS. 

The  Four      }     CONSTITUTIONS,  | 

AGES  of  Man,  & 

SEASONS  of  the  Year.  |^ 

Together  with  an  exaft  Epitome  of       ^ 
the  three  firft  Monarchyes 

C    ASSYRIAN, 
Viz.  The  PERSIAN, 

I     GRECIAN. 

And  beginning  of  the  Romane  Common-wealth 
to  the  end  of  their  lajl  King : 

With  diverfe  other  pleafant  &  ferious  Poems, 
By  a  Gentlewoman  in  New-England. 

Thefecond  Edition,  Corrected  by  the  Author, 
and  enlarged  by  an  Addition  of  fever  al  other 
Poems  found  among/I  her  Papers 
Death. 


Bojlon,  Printed  by  John  Fojler,  1678. 


Kind  Reader : 


[iii] 


jAd  I  opportunity  but  to  borrow  fome  of 
the  Authors  wit,  'tis  poffible  I  might  fo 
trim  this  curious  work  with  fuch  quaint 
expreffions,  as  that  the  Preface  might  be- 
fpeak  thy  further  Perufal;  but  I  fear  'twill  be  a  fhame 
for  a  Man  that  can  fpeak  fo  little,  To  be  feen  in  the 
title-page  of  this  Womans  Book,  left  by  comparing 
the  one  with  the  other,  the  Reader  fhould  pafs  his  fen- 
tence  that  it  is  the  gift  of  women  not  only  to  fpeak 
moft  but  to  fpeak  beft;  I  fhal  leave  therefore  to  com 
mend  that,  which  with  any  ingenious  Reader  will  too 
much  commend  the  Author,  unlefs  men  turn  more 
peevifh  then  women,  to  envy  the  excellency  of  the 
inferiour  Sex.  I  doubt  not  but  the  Reader  will  quickly 
find  more  then  I  can  fay,  and  the  worft  effecl:  of  his 
reading  will  be  unbelief,  which  will  make  him  quef- 
tion  whether  it  be  a  womans  work,  and  afke,  Is  is 
poffible  ?  If  any  do,  take  this  as  an  anfwer  from  him 
that  dares  avow  it;  It  is  the  Work  of  a  Woman, 


84  Anne  BradftreePs  Works. 

honoured,  and  efteemed  where  me  lives,  for  her 
gracious  demeanour,  her  eminent  parts,  her  pious 
converfation,  her  courteous  difpolition,  her  exacl:  dili 
gence  in  her  place,  and  difcreet  managing  of  her 
Family  [iv]  occalions,  and  more  then  fo,  thefe  Poems 
are  the  fruit  but  of  fome  few  houres,  curtailed  from 
her  fleep  and  other  refrefhments.  I  dare  adde  little 
left  I  keep  thee  too  long;  if  thou  wilt  not  believe  the 
worth  of  thefe  things  (in  their  kind)  when  a  man 
fayes  it,  yet  believe  it  from  a  woman  when  thou  feeft 
it.  This  only  I  mail  annex,  I  fear  the  difpleafure  of 
no  perfon  in  the  publifhing  of  thefe  Poems  but  the 
Author,  without  whofe  knowledg,  and  contrary  to  her 
expectation,  I  have  prefumed  to  bring  to  publick  view, 
what  fhe  refolved  in  fuch  a  manner  mould  never  fee 
the  Sun;  but  I  found  that  diverfe  had  gotten  fome 
fcattered  Papers,  affe6led  them  well,  were  likely  to 
have  fent  forth  broken  pieces,  to  the  Authors  preju 
dice,  which  I  thought  to  prevent,  as  well  as  to  plea- 
fure  thofe  that  earneftly  delired  the  view  of  the 
whole. 


'\IVErcury  fhew'd  Apollo,  Bartas  Book,  [v] 

*  •*     Minerva  this,  and  wifht  him  well  to  look, 
And  tell  uprightly  which  did  which  excell, 

He  view'd  and  view'd,  and  vow'd  he  could  not  tel. 
They  bid  him  Hemifphear  his  mouldy  nofe, 
With's  crackt  leering  glafles,  for  it  would  pofe 
The  belt  brains  he  had  in's  old  pudding-pan, 
Sex  weigh'd,  which  beft,  the  Woman,  or  the  Man? 
He  peer'd  and  por'd,  &  glar'd,  &  faid  for  wore, 
Pme  even  as  wife  now,  as  I  was  before: 
They  both  'gan  laugh,  and  faid  it  was  no  mar'l 
The  Auth'refs  was  a  right  Du  Bartas  Girle. 
Good  footh  quoth  the  old  Don,  tell  ye  me  fo, 
I  mufe  whither  at  length  thefe  Girls  will  go; 
It  half  revives  my  chil  froft-bitten  blood, 
To  fee  a  Woman  once,  do  ought  that's  good ; 
And  chode  by  Chaucers  Boots,  and  Homers  Furrs, 
Let  Men  look  to't,  leaft  Women  wear  the  Spurrs. 

N.    Ward* 

*  This  clergyman,  well  known  as  the  eccentric  author  of  "  The  Simple 
Cobbler  of  Agawam,"  had  been  a  neighbor  of  Mrs.  Bradstreet  in  Ipswich. 
He  returned  to  England  in  1647,  and  may  have  been  concerned  in  the  pub 
lication  of  her  poems. 


To  my  dear  Sifter ,  the  Author  of  [vi] 

thefe  Poems. 

'THHough  moft  that  know  me,  dare  (I  think)  affirm 

I  ne're  was  born  to  do  a  Poet  harm, 
Yet  when  I  read  your  pleafant  witty  flrains, 
It  wrought  fo  flrongly  on  my  addle  brains; 
That  though  my  verfe  be  not  fo  finely  fpun, 
And  fo  (like  yours)  cannot  fo  neatly  run, 
Yet  am  I  willing,  with  upright  intent, 
To  mew  my  love  without  a  complement. 
There  needs  no  painting  to  that  comely  face, 
That  in  its  native  beauty  hath  fuch  grace; 
What  I  (poor  iilly  I)  prefix  therefore, 
Can  but  do  this,  make  yours  admir'd  the  more; 
And  if  but  only  this,  I  do  attain 
Content,  that  my  difgrace  may  be  your  gain. 

If  women,  I  with  women  may  compare, 
Your  works  are  folid,  others  weak  as  Air; 
Some  Books  of  Women  I  have  heard  of  late, 
Perufed  fome,  fo  witlefs,  intricate, 
So  void  of  fenfe,  and  truth,  as  if  to  erre 
Were  only  wifht  (acting  above  their  fphear) 
And  all  to  get,  what  (filly  Souls)  they  lack, 
Efteem  to  be  the  wifeft  of  the  pack; 


Poetical  Addreffes  to  the  Author.  87 

Though  (for  your  fake)  to  fome  this  be  permitted,  |~vii] 

To  print,  yet  wifh  I  many  better  witted ; 

Their  vanity  make  this  to  be  enquired, 

If  Women  are  with  wit  and  fence  infpired: 

Yet  when  your  Works  mall  come  to  publick  view, 

'Twill  be  affirm'd,  'twill  be  confirm'd  by  you: 

And  I,  when  ferioufly  I  had  revolved 

What  you  had  done,  I  prefently  refolved, 

Theirs  was  the  Perfons,  not  the  Sexes  failing, 

And  therefore  did  be-fpeak  a  modefl  vailing. 

You  have  acutely  in  Eliza's  ditty,* 

Acquitted  Women,  elfe  I  might  with  pitty, 

Have  wifht  them  all  to  womens  Works  to  look, 

And  never  more  to  meddle  with  their  book. 

What  you  have  done,  the  Sun  mall  witnefs  bear,     , 

That  for  a  womans  Work  'tis  very  rare ; 

And  if  the  Nine,  vouchfafe  the  Tenth  a  place, 

I  think  they  rightly  may  yield  you  that  grace. 

But  leaft  I  fhould  exceed,  and  too  much  love, 
Should  too  too  much  endear'd  affection  move, 
To  fuper-adde  in  praifes,  I  mall  ceafe, 
Leaft  while  I  pleafe  myfelf  I  fhould  difpleafe 
The  longing  Reader,  who  may  chance  complain, 
And  fo  requite  my  love  with  deep  difdain; 
That  I  your  filly  Servant,  ftand  i'  th'  Porch, 
Lighting  your  Sun-light,  with  my  blinking  Torch; 
Hindring  his  minds  content,  his  fweet  repofe, 
Which  your  delightful  Poems  do  difclofe, 

*  See  her  Elegy  "In  Honour  of  that  High  and  Mighty  Princefs  Queen 
Elizabeth  of  Happy  Memory." 


88  Anne  Bradftreefs  Works. 

When  once  the  Cafkets  op'ned;  yet  to  you 

Let  this  be  added,  then  Fie  bid  adieu, 

If  you  fhall  think,  it  will  be  to  your  fhame  [vm] 

To  be  in  print,  then  I  muft  bear  the  blame: 

IPt  be  a  fault,  'tis  mine,  'tis  fhame  that  might 

Deny  fo  fair  an  Infant  of  its  right, 

To  look  abroad;  I  know  your  modeft  mind, 

How  you  will  blufh,  complain,  'tis  too  unkind: 

To  force  a  womans  birth,  provoke  her  pain, 

Expofe  her  labours  to  the  Worlds  difdain. 

I  know  you'l  fay,  you  do  defie  that  mint, 

That  ftampt  you  thus,  to  be  a  fool  in  print. 

'Tis  true,  it  doth  not  now  fo  neatly  Hand, 

As  if  'twere  pollifht  with  your  own  fweet  hand; 

'Tis  not  fo  richly  deckt,  fo  trimly  tir'd, 

Yet  it  is  fuch  as  juftly  is  admir'd. 

If  it  be  folly,  'tis  of  both,  or  neither, 

Both  you  and  I,  we'l  both  be  fools  together; 

And  he  that  fayes,  'tis  foolifh,  (if  my  word 

May  fway)  by  my  confent  fhall  make  the  third, 

I  dare  out-face  the  worlds  difdain  for  both, 

If  you  alone  profefs  you  are  not  wroth; 

Yet  if  you  are,  a  Womans  wrath  is  little, 

When  thoufands  elfe  admire  you  in  each  Tittle. 

/.  W* 

*  Both  this  and  the  address  to  the  reader  were  undoubtedly  written  by 
the  Rev.  John  Woodbridge,  first  minister  of  Andover.  He  was  Mrs.  Brad- 
street's  brother-in-law,  having  married  her  sister  Mercy.  He  sailed  for 
England  in  1647,  and  was  there  when  the  first  edition  of  these  poems  was 
published.  A  more  particular  account  of  him  is  given  in  the  Introduction. 


Vfion    the    Author;    by       [ix] 
a    known    Friend. 

TV T  Ow  I  believe  Tradition,  'which  doth  call 
r-  ^      The  Mufes,   Virtues,  Graces,  Females  all] 
Only  they  are  not  nine,  eleven  nor  three] 
Our  AutWrefs  proves  them  but  one  unity. 
Mankind  take  up  fome  blujhes  on  the  f core] 
Monopolize  perfection  no  more] 
In  your  own  Arts,  confefs  your f elves  out-done, 
The  Moon  hath  totally  eclipsed  the  Sun, 
Not  -with  her  fable  Mantle  muffling  him; 
But  her  bright  Jilver  makes  his  gold  look  dim: 
Juft  as  his  beams  force  our  pale  lamps  to  ivink, 
And  earthly  fires,  'within  their  ajhes  Jhrink. 

B.  W.* 

*  These  initials,  which  appeared  for  the  first  time  in  the  second  edition, 
are  thought  to  be  those  of  the  Rev.  Benjamin  Woodbridge,  D.D.,  brother  of 
the  Rev.  John  Woodbridge.  He  was  born  in  England,  and  after  having 
studied  at  Magdalen  College,  Oxford,  came  to  join  his  brother,  and  some 
other  relations,  in  this  country.  He  entered  Harvard  College,  and  his 
name  stands  first  on  the  list  of  graduates.  He  was  among  the  first  set 
tlers  of  the  town  of  Andover;  but  he  soon  returned  to  England,  where 
he  succeeded  the  Rev.  William  Twiss,  D.D.,  as  minister  of  Newbury,  in 


90  Anne  Bradft  reefs  Works. 

I  cannot  wonder  at  Apollo  now, 
That  he  with  Female  Laurel  crown? d  his  brow. 
That  made  him  witty:  had  I  leave  to  chofe, 
My  Verfejhould  be  a  page  unto  your  Miife 


Berkshire.  He  held  that  position  until  his  death  in  1684,  a  period  of  about 
forty  years.  His  learning,  ability,  and  goodness  have  been  highly  eulo 
gized. 

I  have  been  unable  to  discover  to  whom  the  initials  belong  attached  to 
the  other  verses. 

*  In  the  first  edition,  immediately  after  these,  are  the  following  verses  :  — 

ARME,  arme,  Soldado's  arme,  Horfe, 
Horfe,  fpeed  to  your  Horfes, 
Gentle-women,     make    head,    they    vent 

their  plots  in  Verfes; 
They    write    of   Monarchies,    a   moft   fe- 

ditious  word, 
It    fignifies     Oppremon,    Tyranny,     and 

Sword  : 
March  amain  to  London,  they'l  rife,  for 

there  they  flock, 

But   ftay  a  while,    they  feldome   rife   till 
ten  a  clock. 

R.     >. 


Poetical  Addreffes  to  the  Author.  91 

In  praife  of  the  Author,  Miftris  Anne  Bradftreet,   [x] 

Virtues  true  and  lively  Pattern,  Wife  of  the 

Worfhipfull  Simon  Bradftreet  Kfq; 

At  prefent  rejiding  in  the  Occidental  farts  of  the 

World  in  America,  Alias 
NOV-ANGLIA. 

WHat  golden  fplendent    STAR    is   this  fo 
bright, 

One  thoufand  Miles  tivice  told,  both  day  and  night, 
(from  th?  Orient  firft  fprung)  now  from  the   Weft 
That  Jliines;  fwift-vuinged  Phoebus,  and  the  reft 
Of  all  ]Q\??S  fiery  flames  furmounting  far 
As  doth  each  Planet,  every  falling  Star; 
By  whofe  divine  and  lucid  light  moft  clear 
Natures  dark fecret  myfteryes  appear-, 
Heavens,  Earths,  admired  'wonders,  noble  acJs 
Of  Kings,  and  Princes  moft  hero ick  faffs, 
And  'what  Jre  elfe  in  darknefs  feeni1  d  to  dye, 
Revives  all  things  fo  obvious  no'W  to  tff  eye, 
That  he  'who  thefe  it  s  glittering  rayes  views  o^re, 
Shall  fee  -what's  done  in  all  the  -world  before. 

N.  H. 


92  Anne  Bradftreet^s  Works. 

Upon  the  Author.  [xi] 

'HT^Were  extream  folly  fhould  I  dare  attempt, 

•*•     To  praife  this  Authors  worth  with  complement; 
None  but  her  felf  muft  dare  commend  her  parts, 
Whofe  fublime  brain's  the  Synopfis  of  Arts. 
Nature  and  fkill,  here  both  in  one  agree, 
To  frame  this  Mafter-piece  of  Poetry: 
Falfe  Fame,  belye  their  Sex  no  more,  it  can 
Surpafs,  or  parallel,  the  beft  of  Man. 

C.B. 

Another  to  Mrs.  Anne  Bradftreet, 
Author  of  this  Poem. 

T'Ve  read  your  Poem  (Lady)  and  admire, 

Your  Sex  to  fuch  a  pitch  mould  e're  afpire; 
Go  on  to  write,  continue  to  relate, 
New  Hiftoryes,  of  Monarchy  and  State: 
And  what  the  Romans  to  their  Poets  gave, 
Be  fure  fuch  honour,  and  efteem  you'l  have. 

H.  S. 

An  Anagram. 
Anna  Bradeflreate          Deer  neat  An  Bartas. 

Bartas  like  thy  fine  fpun  Poems  been, 
That  Bartas  name»will  prove  an  Epicene. 

Another. 
Anna  Bradftreate          Artes  bred  neat  An. 


VP  ON  [xii] 

Mrs.     Anne    Bradjtreet 

Her  Poems,  &c. 

"TV  /TAD AM,  twice  through  the  Mufes  Grove  I  walkt, 

f^-*1     Under  your  blifsfull  bowres,  I  fhrowding  there, 

It  feem'd  with  Nymphs  of  Helicon  I  talkt: 

For  there  thofe  fweet-lip'd  Sifters  fporting  were, 

Apollo  with  his  facred  Lute  fate  by, 

On  high  they  made  their  heavenly  Sonnets  flye, 

Poiies  around  they  ftrow'd,  of  fweeteft  Poefie. 


Twice  have  I  drunk  the  Ne6tar  of  your  lines, 
Which  high  fublim'd  my  mean  born  phantalie, 
Flufht  with  thefe  fhreams  of  your  Maronean  wines 
Above  my  felf  rapt  to  an  extalie: 
Methought  I  was  upon  Mount  Hiblas  top, 
There  where  I  might  thofe  fragrant  flowers  lop, 
Whence    did  fweet  odors  flow,  and  honey  fpangles 
drop. 


94  Anne  Bradft  reefs  Works. 


To  Venus  fhrine  no  Altars  raifed  are, 

Nor  venom'd  fhafts  from  painted  quiver  fly, 

Nor  wanton  Doves  of  Aphrodites  Carr, 

Or  fluttering  there,  nor  here  forlornly  lie, 

Lome  Paramours,  not  chatting  birds  tell  news 

How  fage  Apollo,  Daphne  hot  purfues, 

Or  ftately  Jove  himfelf  is  wont  to  haunt  the  flews, 


Nor  barking  Satyrs  breath,  nor  driery  clouds        [xni] 

ExhaPd  from  Styx,  their  difmal  drops  difbil 

Within  thefe  Fairy,  flowry  fields,  nor  fhrouds 

The  fcreeching  night  Raven,  with  his  fhady  quill: 

But  Lyrick  firings  here  Orpheus  nimbly  hitts, 

Orion  on  his  fadled  Dolphin  fits, 

Chanting  as  every  humour,  age  &  feafon  fits. 


Here  filver  fwans,  with  Nightingales  fet  fpells, 
Which  fweetly  charm  the  Traveller,  and  raife 
Earths  earthed  Monarchs,  from  their  hidden  Cells, 
And  to  appearance  fummons  lapfed  dayes, 
There  heav'nly  air,  becalms*  the  fwelling  frayes, 
And  fury  fell  of  Elements  allayes, 
By  paying  every  one  due  tribute  of  his  praife. 


Poetical  AddreJ/es  to  the  Author.  95 


This  feem'd  the  Scite  of  all  thofe  verdant  vales, 
And  purled  fprings,  whereat  the  Nymphs  do  play, 
With  lofty  hills,  where  Poets  rear  their  tales, 
To  heavenly  vaults,  which  heav'nly  found  repay 
By  ecchoes  fweet  rebound,  here  Ladyes  kifs, 
Circling  nor  fongs,  nor  dances  circle  mifs; 
But  whilft  thofe  Syrens  fung,  I  funk  in  fea  of  blifs. 


Thus  weltring  in  delight,  my  virgin  mind 

Admits  a  rape;  truth  Hill  lyes  undifcri'd, 

Its  lingular,  that  plural  feem'd,  I  find, 

'Twas  Fancies  glafs  alone  that  multipli'd; 

Nature  with  Art  fo  clofely  did  combine, 

I  thought  I  faw  the  Mufes  trebble  trine, 

Which  prov'd  your  lonely  Mufe,  fuperiour  to  the  nine. 


Your  only  hand  thofe  Poefies  did  compofe, 

Your  head  the  fource,  whence  all  thofe  fprings  did 

flow, 

Your  voice,  whence  changes  fweeteft  notes  arofe, 
Your  feet  that  kept  the  dance  alone,  I  trow: 
Then  vail  your  bonnets,  Poetaflers  all, 
Strike,  lower  amain,  and  at  thefe  humbly  fall, 
And  deem  your  felves  advanc'd  to  be  her  Pedeilal. 


96  Anne  Bradft  reefs  Works. 

9 

Should  all  with  lowly  Congies  Laurels  bring, 
Wafte  Floraes  Magazine  to  find  a  wreathe; 
Or  Pineus  Banks  'twere  too  mean  offering, 
Your  Mufe  a  fairer  Garland  doth  bequeath 
To  guard  your  fairer  front;  here  'tis  your  name 
Shall  ftand  immarbled;  this  your  little  frame 
Shall  great  ColoJJus  be,  to  your  eternal  fame. 

Pie  pleafe  my  felf,  though  I  my  felf  difgrace, 
What  errors  here  be  found,  are  in  Errataes  place. 

J.  Rogers.* 

*  These  verses  were  not  in  the  first  edition.  Their  author  was  the  son 
of  the  Rev.  Nathaniel  Rogers,  of  Ipswich.  He  was  born  in  England  in 
1630,  and  came  to  America,  with  his  father,  in  1636.  He  graduated  at 
Harvard  College  in  1649,  anc^  studied  both  divinity  and  medicine.  He 
preached  at  Ipswich  for  some  time,  but  afterwards  devoted  himself  alto 
gether  to  the  practice  of  medicine.  In  1682,  he  succeeded  the  Rev.  Urian 
Oakes  as  President  of  Harvard  College.  He  died  suddenly,  July  2,  1684, 
the  day  after  Commencement,  during  an  eclipse  of  the  sun.  He  had  re 
quested,  in  the  previous  December,  that  the  Commencement  exercises 
should  be  held  a  day  earlier  than  usual,  as  he  feared  the  eclipse  might  inter 
fere  with  them.  —  MATHER  PAPERS.  Cotton  Mather  says,  "  He  was  One  of 
fo  fweet  a  Temper,  that  the  Title  of  Delicice  humani  Generis  might  have  on 
that  Score  been  given  him ;  and  his  Real  Piety  fet  off  with  the  Accom- 
plifhments  of  a  Gentleman,  as  a  Gem  fet  in  Gold"  —  MAGNALIA,  iv. 
p.  130. 

His  wife,  Elizabeth  Denison,  was  the  only  daughter  of  Major-General 
Daniel  Denison  and  Patience  Dudtey,  and  therefore  Mrs.  Bradstreet's 


To    her    moft    Honoured    Fa 
ther    Thomas  Dudley  Efq; 

tkefe  humbly  prefented.  [i] 


T.  D.  On 

the  four 

-parts  of 

the  ivorld.\ 


DEar    Sir    of  late    delighted  with 
the  fight 
Of  your  four  Sifters  cloth'd*  in  black 

and  white, 

Of  fairer  Dames  the  Sun,  ne'r  faw  the  face; 
Though  made  a  pedeftal  for  Adams  Race; 
Their  worth  fo  mines  in  thefe  rich  lines  you  fhow 
Their  paralels  to  finde  I  fcarcely  know 
To  climbe  their  Climes,  I  have  nor  ftrength  nor  fkill 
To  mount  fo  high  requires  an  Eagles  quill; 
Yet  view  thereof  did  caufe  my  thoughts  to  foar; 
My  lowly  pen  might  wait  upon  thefe  four 

*  We  have  in  the  first  edition,  instead  of  this,  "  deckt."  The  readings 
of  the  first  edition  will  be  designated  hereafter,  without  further  comment, 
by  notes  distinguished  by  the  letters  of  the  alphabet. 

t  This  was  probably  a  manuscript  poem.  Nothing  further  is  known 
of  it. 

13 


98  Anne  Bradft  reefs  Works. 

I  bring  my  four  times  four,*  now  meanly  clad 

To  do  their  homage,  unto  yours,  full3  glad: 

Who  for  their  Age,  their  worth  and  quality 

Might  feem  of  yours  to  claim  precedency: 

But  by  my  humble  hand,  thus  rudely  pen'd 

They  are,  your  bounden  handmaids  to  attend 

Thefe  fame  are  they,  from  whom  we  being  have     [2] 

Thefe  are  of  all,  the  Life,  the  Nurfe,  the  Grave, 

Thefe  are  the  hot,  the  cold,  the  moift,  the  dry, 

That  fink,  that  fwim,  that  fill,  that  upwards  fly, 

Of  thefe  confifts  our  bodies,  Cloathes  and  Food, 

The  World,  the  ufeful,  hurtful,  and  the  good, 

Sweet  harmony  they  keep,  yet  jar  oft  times 

Their  difcord  doth'  appear,  by  thefe  harm  rimes 

Yours  did  conteft  for  wealth,  for  Arts,  for  Age, 

My  firfh  do  fhew  their  good,  and  then  their  rage. 

My  other  foures  d  do  intermixed  tell 

Each  others  faults,  and  where  themfelves  excell; 

How  hot  and  dry  contend  with  moift  and  cold, 

How  Air  and  Earth  no  correfpondence  hold, 

And  yet  in  equal  tempers,  how  they  'gree 

How  divers  natures  make  one  Unity 

Something  of  all  (though  mean)  I  did  intend 

But  fear'd  you'ld  judge  Du e  Bartas  was  my  friend 

I  honour  him,  but  dare  not  wear  his  wealth 

My  goods  are  true  (though  poor)  I  love  no  ftealth 


*  mjfour;  and  four.  6  moft.  c  may. 

d  four.  e  one. 


Dedication.  99 

But  if  I  did  I  durft  not  fend  them  you 
Who  muft  reward  a  Thief,  but  with  his  due. 
I  fhall  not  need,  mine  innocence  to  clear 
Thefe  ragged  lines,  will  do't,  when  they  appear: 
On  what  they  are,  your  mild  afpecl:  I  crave 
Accept  my  heft,  my  worft  vouchfafe  a  Grave. 

From  her  that  to  your  felf,  more  duty  owes 
Then  water  in  the  boundefs  Ocean  flows. 


March  20.  1642.* 

ANNE  BRAD  STREET. 


*  This  date  does  not  appear  in  the  first  e'dition. 


THE  [3] 

PROLOGUE. 

I. 

r  I  ^O  ling  of  Wars,  of  Captains,  and  of  Kings, 

"*-     Of  Cities  founded,  Common-wealths  begun, 
For  my  mean  pen  are  too  fuperiour  things : 
Or  how  they  all,  or  each  their  dates  have  run 
Let  Poets  and  Hiftorians  fet  thefe  forth, 
My  obfcure  Lines7  fhall  not  fo  dim  their  worth. 

2. 

But  when  my  wondring  eyes  and  envious  heart 
Great  Bartas  fugar'd  lines,  do  but  read  o're 
Fool  I  do  grudg  the  Mufes  did  not  part 
'Twixt  him  and  me  that  overfluent  ilore; 
A  Bartas  can,  do  what  a  Bartas  will 
But  fimple  I  according  to  my  fkill. 

3- 

From  fchool-boyes  tongue  no  rhet'rick  we  expect 
Nor  yet  a  fweet  Confort  from  broken  firings, 
Nor  perfect  beauty,  where's  a  main  defect: 
My  foolifh,  broken,  blemifh'd  Mufe  fo  fmgs 

/  Verfe. 


Prologue.  10 1 


And  this  to  mend,  alas,  no  Art  is  able, 
'Caufe  nature,  made  it  fo  irreparable. 


Nor  can  I,  like  that  fluent  fweet  tongu'd  Greek, 

Who  lifp'd  at  firft,  in  future  times  fpeak  plain  * 

By  Art  he  gladly  found  what  he  did  feek 

A  full  requital  of  his,  ftriving  pain 

Art  can  do  much,  but  this  maxime's  moft  fure          [4] 

A  weak  or  wounded  brain  admits  no  cure. 


I  am  obnoxious  to  each  carping  tongue 

Who  fays  my  hand  a  needle  better  fits, 

A  Poets  pen  all  fcorn  I  ihould  thus  wrong, 

For  fuch  defpite  they  caft  on  Female  wits : 

If  what  I  do  prove  well,  it  won't  advance,    C^1vC 

They'l  fay  it's  ftoln,  or  elfe  it  was  by  chance. 

6. 

But  fure  the  Antique  Greeks  were  far  more  mild 
Elfe  of  our  Sexe,  why  feigned  they  thofe  Nine 
And  poefy  made,  Calliopes  own  Child; 
So  'mongft  the  reft  they  placed  the  Arts  Divine, 
But  this  weak  knot,  they  will  full  foon  untie, 
The  Greeks  did  nought,  but  play  the  fools  &  lye. 

*•  fpeake  afterwards  more  plaine. 


IO2  Anne  Bradftreet^s  Works. 


Let  Greeks  be  Greeks,  and  women  what  they  are 

Men  have  precedency  and  ftill  excell, 

It  is  but  vain  unjuflly  to  wage  warre; 

Men  can  do  beft,  and  women  know  it  well 

Preheminence  in  all  and  each  is  yours; 

Yet  grant  fome  fmall  acknowledgement  of  ours. 

8. 

And  oh  ye  high  flown  quills  that  foar  the  Skies, 
And  ever  with  your  prey  ftill  catch  your  praife, 
If  e're  you  daigne  thefe  lowly  lines  your  eyes 
Give  Thyme  or  *  Pariley  wreath,  I  ask  no  bayes, 
This  mean  and  unrefined  ure  *  of  mine 
Will  make  you  gliftring  gold,  but  more  to  fhine.  * 

*  Give  wholfome.  «  ftuffe. 

*  The  initials,  "A.  B.,"  are  appended  in  the  first  edition. 


The  [S] 

Four    Elements. 

T~^He  Fire,  Air,  Earth  and  water  did  contefiV 

•*•     Which  was  the  ilrongeft,  nobleft  and  the  beft, 
Who  was  of  greateft  ufe  and  might'efl  force; 
In  placide  Terms  they  thought  now  to  difcourfe,* 
That  in  due  order  each  her  turn  fhould  fpeak; 
But  enmity  this  amity  did  break 
All  would  be  chief,  and  all  fcorn'd  to  be  under 
Whence  iflu'd  winds  &  rains,  lightning  &  thunder 
The  quaking  earth  did  groan,  the  Sky  lookt  black 
The  Fire,  the  forced  Air,  in  funder  crack; 
The  fea  did  threat  the  heav'ns,  the  heavn's  the  earth, 
All  looked  like  a  Chaos  or  new  birth : 
Fire  broyled  Earth,  &  fcorched  Earth  it  choaked 
Both  by  their  darings,  water  fo  provoked 
That  roaring  in  it  came,  and  with  its  fource 
Soon  made  the  Combatants  abate  their  force 

j  Fire,  Aire,  Earth,  and  Water,  did  all  conteft. 
*  Who  the  moft  good  could  ihew,  &  who  moft  rage 
For  to  declare,  themfelves  they  all  ingage. 


104  Anne  Bradftreet^s  Works. 

The  rumbling  biffing,  puffing  was  fo  great 

The  worlds  confufion,  it  did  feem  to  threat 

Till  gentle  Air/  Contention  fo  abated 

That  betwixt  hot  and  cold,  fhe  arbitrated 

The  others  difference,™  being  lefs  did  ceafe 

All  ftorms  now  laid,  and  they  in  perfect  peace 

That  Fire  fhould  firft  begin,  the  reft  confent,  [6] 

The  nobleft  and  moft  active  Element." 


Fire. 

Tl  7HAT  is    my   worth    (both   ye)  and    all    men" 

know, 

In  little  time^  I  can  but  little  mow, 
But  what  I  am,  let  learned  Grecians  fay 
What  I  can  do  well  skil'd  Mechanicks  may: 
The  benefit  all  living^  by  me  finde, 
All  forts  of  Artifts,  here  r  declare  your  mind, 
What  tool  was  ever  fram'd,  but  by  my  might? 
Ye  Martilifts,  what  weapons  *  for  your  fight 
To  try  your  valour  by,  but  it  muft  feel 

My  force  ?  your  fword,  &  Gun/  your  Lance  of  fteel 

• 

/  But  Aire  at  length.  »»  enmity.  *  Being  the  moft  impatient  Element. 
o  things.  P  Where  little  is.  9  Beings.  r  Come  firft  ye  Artifts,  and. 
*  O  Martialift !  what  weapon.  *  your  Pike,  your  flint  and  fteele. 


The  Four  Elements.  105 

Your  Cannon's  bootlefs  and  your  powder  too 

Without  mine  aid,  (alas)  what  can  they  do: 

The  adverfe  walls  not  fhak'd,  the  Mines  not  blown 

And  in  defpight  the  City  keeps  her  own; 

But  I  with  one  Granado  or  Petard 

Set  ope  thofe  gates,  that  'fore  fo  ftrong  were  bar'd 

Ye  Hufband-men,  your  Coulters  made  by  me 

Your  Hooes  "  your  Mattocks,  &  wrhat  e're  you  fee 

Subdue  the  Earth,  and  fit  it  for  your  Grain 

That  fo  it  might  in  time  requite  your  pain: 

Though  ftrong  limb'd  Vulcan  forg'd  it  by  his  skill 

I  made  it  flexible  unto  his  will; 

Ye  Cooks,  your  Kitchen  implements  I  frame 

Your  Spits,  Pots,  Jacks,  what  elfe  I  need  not  name 

Your  dayly^  food  I  wholfome  make,  I  warm  [7] 

Your  fhrinking  Limbs,  which  winter's  cold  doth  harm 

Ye  Paracelfeans  too  in  vain's  your  skill 

In  Chymiftry,  unlefs  I  help  you  Still. 

And  you  Philofophers,  if  e're  you  made 

A  tranfmutation  it  was  through  mine  aid. 

Ye  filver  Smiths,  your  Ure  I  do  refine 

What  mingled  lay  with  Earth  I  caufe  to  mine; 

But  let  me  leave  thefe  things,  my  flame  afpires 

To  match  on  high  with  the  Celeftial  fires: 

The  Sun  an  Orb  of  fire  was  held  of  old, 

Our  Sages  new  another  tale  have  told: 

But  be  he  what  they  will,™  yet  his  afpecl: 

A  burning  fiery  heat  we  find  refle6t 

*  fhares.  v  dainty.  w  lift. 


io6  Anne  Bradft  reefs  Works. 

And  of  the  felf  fame  nature  is  with  mine 

Cold  *  filler  Earth,  no  witnefs  needs  but  thine : 

How  doth  his  warmth,  refrefh  thy  frozen  back^ 

And  trim  thee  brave,0  in  green,  after  thy  black." 

Both  man  and  beaft  rejoyce  at  his  approach, 

And  birds  do  ring,  to  fee  his  glittering  Coach 

And  though  nought,  but  Salmander  s  live  in  fire 

And  fly  Pyraufla  call'd,  all  elfe  expire, 

Yet  men  and  beaft  Aftronomers  will  tell 

Fixed  in  heavenly  Conflellations  dwell, 

My  Planets  of  both  Sexes  whofe  degree 

Poor  Heathen  judg'd  worthy  a  Diety: 

There's  Orion  arm'd  attended  by  his  dog; 

The  Theban  flout  Alcides  with  his  Club; 

The  valiant  Perfeus,  who  Medufa  flew, 

The  horfe  that  kil'd  Belerophon,  then  flew. 

My  Crab,  my  Scorpion,  fifties  you  may  fee  [8] 

The  Maid  with  ballance,  wain  with  horfes  three, 

The  Ram,  the  Bull,  the  Lion,  and  the  Beagle, 

The  Bear,  the  Goat,  the  Raven,  and  the  Eagle, 

The  Crown  the  Whale,  the  Archer,  Bernice  Hare 

The  Hidra,  Dolphin,  Boys  that  water  bear, 

Nay  more,  then  thefe,  Rivers  'mongfl  flars  are  found 

Eridanus,  where  Phaeton  was  drown'd. 

Their  magnitude,  and  height,  fhould  I  recount 

My  flory  to  a  volume  would  amount; 

Out  of  a  multitude  thefe  few  I  touch, 

*  « 

Your  wifdome  out  of  little  gather  much. 

*  Good.  y  backs.  *  gay.  a  blacks. 


The  Four  Elements.  107 

Tie  here  let  pafs,  my  choler,  caufe  of  wars 

And  influence  of  divers  of  thofe  liars 

When  in  Conjunction  with  the  Sun  do  more 

Augment  his  heat,  which  was  too  hot  before. 

The  Summer  ripening  feafon  I  do  claim 

And  man  from  thirty  unto  fifty  frame. 

Of  old  when  Sacrifices  wrere  Divine, 

I  of  acceptance  was  the  holy  iigne, 

'Mong  all  my  wonders  which  I  might  recount, 

There's  none  more  ftrange  then  sEtncts  Sulphry  mount 

The  choaking  flames,  that  from  Vefuv^^ls  flew 

The  over  curious  fecond  Pliny  *  flew, 

And  with  the  Aflies  that  it  fometimes  fhed 

Apulia's  'jacent  parts  were  covered. 

And  though  I  be  a  fervant  to  each  man 

Yet  by  my  force,  mailer,  my  mailers  can. 

What  famous  Towns,  to  Cinders  have  I  turn'd  ? 

What  lailing  forts  my  kindled  wrath  hath  burn'd? 

The  ilately  Seats  of  mighty  Kings  by  me  [9] 

In  confufed  heaps,  of  aihes  may  you  fee. 

Wher's  Ninus  great  walPd  Town,  &  Troy  of  old 

Carthage,  and  hundred  more  in  ilories  told 

Which  when  they  could  not  be  o'recome  by  foes 

The  Army,  through  my  help  victorious  rofe 

And  ilately  London,  (our  great  Britain^  glory) 

My  raging  flame  did  make  a  mournful  ilory, 

*  She  does  not  mean,  by  mistake,  the  Younger  Pliny,  but  translates  the 
cognomen  of  Secundus,  which  belonged  to  both  Plinys. 


io8  Anne  Bradft  reef's  Works. 

But  maugre  all,  that  I,  or  foes  could  do 
That  Phoenix  from  her  Bed,  is  rifen  New.* 
Old  facred  Zion,  I  demolifh'd  thee. 
Lo  great  Diana's  Temple  was  by  me, 
And  more  then  bruitifh  Sodom,  for  her  luft 
With  neighbouring  Towns,  I  did  confume  to  dull 
What  mall  I  fay  of  Lightning  and  of  Thunder 
Which  Kings  &  mighty  ones  amaze  with  wonder, 
Which   made  a    Cczfar,   (Romes)    the  worlds   proud 

head, 

Foolim  Caligula  creep  under's  bed. 
Of  Meteors,  ignis  fatuus  and  the  reft, 
But  to  leave  thofe  to  th'wife,  I  judge  it  befl. 
The  rich  I  oft  make  poor,  the  ftrong  I  maime, 
Not  fparing  Life  when  I  can  take  the  fame; 
And  in  a  word,  the  world  I  mall  confume 
And  all  therein,  at  that  great  day  of  Doom; 
Not  before  then,  fhall  ceafe,  my  raging  ire 
And  then  becaufe  no  matter  more  for  fire 
Now  Sifters  pray  proceed,  each  in  your  Courfe 
As  I,  impart  your  ufefulnefs  and  force. 

*  This  and  the  three  preceding  lines  were  not  in  the  first  edition.     The 
Great  Fire  of  London  did  not  take  place  until  September,  1666. 


The  Four  Elements.  109 


Earth.  [10] 

r  I  ^HE  next  in  place  Earth  judg'd  to  be  her  due, 
•*•     Sifter  (quoth  fhee)*  I  come  not  fhort  of  you, 
In  wealth  and  ufe  I  do  furpafs  you  all, 
And  mother  earth  of  old  men  did  me  call: 
Such  isc  my  fruitfulnefs,  an  Epithite, . 
Which  none  ere  gave,  or  you  could  claim  of  right 
Among  my  praifes  this  I  count  not  leaft, 
I  am  th'original  of  man  and  beaft. 
To  tell  what  fundry  fruits  my  fat  foil  yields 
In  Vineyards,  Gardens,  Orchards  &  Corn-fields, 
Their  kinds,  their  tails,  their  colors  &  their  fmells 
Would  fo  pafs  time  I  could  fay  nothing  elfe: 
The  rich  the  poor,  wife,  fool,  and  every  fort 
Of  thefe  fo  common  things  can  make  report. 
To  tell  you  of  my  countryes  and  my  Regions, 
Soon  would  they  pafs  not  hundreds  but  legions: 
My  cities  famous,  rich  and  populous, 
Whofe  numbers  now  are  grown  innumerous. 
I  have  not  time  to  think  of  every  part, 
Yet  let  me  name  my  Grecia,  'tis  my  heart. 
For  learning  arms  and  arts  I  love  it  well, 
But  chiefly  'caufe  the  Mufes  there  did  dwell. 
He  here  skip  ore  my  mountains  reaching  skyes, 
Whether  Pyrenean,  or  the  Alpes,  both  lyes 
On  either  fide  the  country  of  the  Gaules 
Strong  forts,  from  SpaniJIi  and  Italian  brawles. 

b  Sifter,  in  worth.  c  was. 


no  Anne  Bradft  reefs  Works. 

And  huge  great  Taurus  longer  then  the  reft,          [n] 

Dividing  great  Armenia  from  the  leaft; 

And  Hemus  whofe  fteep  fides  none  foot  upon, 

But  farewell  all  for  d'ear  mount  Helicon. 

And  wondrous  high  Olimpus,  of  fuch  fame, 

That  heav'n  it  felf  was  oft  call'd  by  that  name. 

PamaJJus  fweet,  I  dote  too  much  on  thee, 

Unlefs  thou  prove  a  better  friend  to  me : 

But  He  leap  d  ore  thefe  hills,  not  touch  a  dale, 

Nor  will  I  ftay,  no  not  in  Tem-pe  Vale/ 

He  here  let  go  my  Lions  of  Numedia, 

My  Panthers  and  my  Leopards  of  Libia, 

The  Behemoth  and  rare  found  Unicorn, 

Poyfons  fure  antidote  lyes  in  his  horn, 

And  my  Hicena  (imitates  mans  voice) 

Out  of  great -^  numbers  I  might  pick  my  choice, 

Thoufands  in  woods  &  plains,  both  wild  &  tame, 

But  here  or  there,  I  lift  now  none  to  name: 

No,  though  the  fawning  Dog  did  urge  me  fore, 

In  his  behalf  to  fpeak  a  word  the  more, 

Whofe  truft  and  valour  I  might  here  commend; 

But  time's  too  fhort  and  precious  fo  to  fpend. 

But  hark  you  wealthy^  merchants,  who  for  prize 

Send  forth  your  well-man'd  mips  where  fun  doth  rife, 

After  three  years  when  men  and  meat  is  fpent, 

My  rich  Commodityes  pay  double  rent. 

Ye  Galenifts,  my  Drugs  that  come  from  thence, 

Do  cure  your  Patients,  fill  your  purfe  with  pence; 

d  skip.  e  Nor  vet  expatiate,  in  Temple  vale ; 

f  huge.  s  je  worthy. 


The  Four  Elements.  in 

Befides  the  ufe  of  roots/'  of  hearbs  and  plants, 

That  with  lefs  coil  near  home  fupply  your  wants. 

But  Mariners  where  got  you  fhips  and  Sails,  [12] 

And  Oars  to  row,  when  both  my  Sifters  fails 

Your  Tackling,  Anchor,  compafs  too  is  mine, 

Which  guids  when  fun  nor  moon  nor  fbars  do  mine 

Ye  mighty  Kings,  who  for  your  lafting  fames 

Built  Cities,  Monuments,  call'd  by  your  names, 

Were  thofe  compiled  heaps  of  maflfy  Hones 

That  your  ambition  laid,  ought  but  my  bones  f 

Ye  greedy  mifers,  who  do  dig  for  gold 

For  gemms,  for  lilver,  Treafures  which  I  hold, 

Will  not  my  goodly  face  your  rage  fuffice 

But  you  will  fee,  what  in  my  bowels  lyes  ? 

And  ye  Artificers,  all  Trades  and  forts 

My  bounty  calls  you  forth  to  make  reports, 

If  ought  you  have,  to  ufe,  to  wear,  to  eat, 

But  what  I  freely  yield,  upon  your  fweat? 

And  Cholerick  Sifter,  thou  for  all  thine  ire 

Well  knowft  my  fuel,  muft  maintain  thy  fire. 

As  I  ingenuoufly  with  thanks  confefs, 

My  cold  thy  fruitfull  heat  doth  crave  no  lefs : 

But  how  my  cold  dry  temper  works  upon 

The  melancholy  Conftitution; 

How  the  autumnal  feafon  I  do  fway, 

And  how  I  force  the  grey-head  to  obey, 

I  mould  here  make  a  fhort,  yet  true  Narration, 

But  that  thy  method  is  mine  imitation. 

^  ufe  you  have. 


ii2  Anne  Bradftreefs  Works. 

Now  muft  I  fhew  mine  adverfe  quality, 

And  how  I  oft  work  mans  mortality: 

He  fometimes  finds,  maugre  his  toiling  pain 

Thirties  and  thorns  where  he  expected  grain. 

My  fap  to  plants  and  trees  I  muft  not  grant,  [13] 

The  vine,  the  olive,  and  the  figtree  want: 

The  Corn  and  Hay  do  fall  before  the're  mown, 

And  buds  from  fruitfull  trees  as  foon  as*  blown; 

Then  dearth  prevails,  that  nature  to  fuffice 

The  Mother  on  her  tender  infant  flyes;y 

The  hufband  knows  no  wife,  nor  father  fons, 

But  to  all  outrages  their  hunger  runs : 

Dreadfull  examples  foon  I  might  produce, 

But  to  fuch  Auditors  'twere  of  no  ufe. 

Again  when  Delvers  dare  in  hope  of  gold 

To  ope  thofe  veins  of  Mine,  audacious  bold : 

While  they  thus  in  mine  entrails  love  *  to  dive, 

Before  they  know,  they  are  inter'd  alive. 

Y'affrighted  wights  appal'd,  how  do  ye  make, 

When  once  you  feel  me  your  foundation  quake? 

Becaufe  in  the  Abbyfle  of  my  dark  womb 

Your  cities  and  your  felves  I  oft  intomb : 

O  dreadfull  Sepulcher!  that  this  is  true 

Dathan  *  and  all  his  company  well  knew, 

*  before  they'r.      J  The  tender  mother  on  her  Infant  flyes.      *  feem. 

*  The  first  edition  has  "Korah"  instead  of  "Dathan."     It  does  not  ap 
pear  clearly  from  the  account  in  Numbers,  ch.  xvi.,  whether  Korah  was 
swallowed  up  in  the  earth  with  Dathan  and  Abiram^  or  whether  he  was 
among  those   destroyed  by   the   fire.     See  Patrick's  "Commentary,"  and 
Smith's  "  Bible  Dictionary." 


The  Four  Elements.  113 

So  did  that  Roman,  far  more  flout  then  wife, 

Bur'ing  himfelf  alive  for  honours  prize/ 

And  fince  fair  Italy  full  fadly  knowes 

What  me  hath  loft  by  thefe  remed'lefs  m  woes/* 

Again  what  veins  of  poyfon  in  me  lye, 

Some  kill  outright,  and  fome  do  ftupifye: 

Nay  into  herbs  and  plants  it  fometimes  creeps, 

In  heats  &  colds  &  gripes  &  drowzy  fleeps: 

Thus  I  occafion  death  to  man  and  beaft 

When  food  they  feek,  &  harm  miftruft  the  leaft. 

Much  might  I  fay  of  the  hot  Libian  fand*  [14] 

Which  rife  like  tumbling  *  Billows  on  the  Land^ 

Wherein  Cambyfes  Armie  was  o'rethrown  r 

(but  windy  Sifter,  'twas  when  you  have  blown) 

I'le  fay  no  more,  but  this  thing  add  I  muft 

Remember  Sons,  your  mould  is  of  my  duft 

And  after  death  whether  interr'd  or  burn'd 

As  Earth  at  firft  fo  into  Earth  return'd. 

I  This  and  the  preceding  line  were  not  in  the  first  edition. 
**  my  dreadfull. 
»  After  this  we  find  in  the  first  edition,  — 

And  Rome,  her  Curtius,  can't  forget  I  think; 

Who  bravely  rode  into  my  yawning  chinke. 

Again,  what  veines  of  poyfon  in  me  lye ; 

As  Stibium  and  unfixt  Mercury : 

With  divers  moe,  nay,  into  plants  it  creeps ; 

In  hot,  and  cold,  and  fome  benums  with  fleeps, 
o  the  Arabian  fands  ;  P  mighty.  9  lands  : 

r  Wherein  whole  Armies  I  have  overthrown ; 


Anne  Bradft  reefs  Works. 


Water. 

SCARCE  Earth  had  done,  but  th'angry  water  mov'd 
Sifter  (quoth  fhe)  it  had  full  well  behov'd 
Among  your  boaftings  to  have  praifed  me 
Caufe  of  your  fruitfulnefs  as  you  mall  fee: 
This  your  neglect  mews  your  ingratitude 
And  how  your  fubtilty,  would  men  delude 
Not  one  of  us  (all  knows)  that's  like  to  thee 
Ever  in  craving,  from  the  other  three; 
But  thou  art  bound  to  me,  above  the  reft 
Who  am  thy  drink,  thy  blood,  thy  fap  and  beft: 
If  I  withhold  what  art  thou  ?  dead  dry  lump 
Thou  bearft  nor  grafs  or  plant  nor  tree,  nor  ftump 
Thy  extream  thirft  is  moiftned  by  my  love 
With  fprings  below,  and  fhowres  from  above 
Or  elfe  thy  Sun-burnt  face,  and  gaping  chops 
Complain  to  th'  heavens,  if  I  withhold  my  drops 
Thy  Bear,  thy  Tyger,  and  thy  Lion  ftout, 
When  I  am  gone,  their  fiercenes  none  needs  doubt 
Thy  Camel  hath  no  ftrength,  thy  Bull  no  force       [15] 
Nor  mettal's  found,  in  the  couragious  Horfe 
Hinds  leave  their  calves,  the  Elephant  the  Fens 
The  wolves  and  favage  beafts,  forfake  their  Dens 
The  lofty  Eagle,  and  the  Stork  fly  low, 
The  Peacock  and  the  Oftnch,  mare  in  woe, 
The  Pine,  the  Cedar,  yea,  and  Daphnes  Tree 
Do  ceafe  to  flourifh  in  this  mifery, 


The  Four  Elements.  115 

Man  wants  his  bread  and  wine,  &  pleafant  fruits 

He  knows,  fuch  fweets,  lies  not  in  Earths  dry  roots 

Then  feeks  me  out,  in  river  and  in  well 

His  deadly  malady  I  might  expell: 

If  I  fupply,  his  heart  and  veins  rejoyce, 

If  not,  foon  ends  his  life,  as  did  his  voyce; 

That  this  is  true,  Earth  thou  canft  not  deny 

I  call  thine  Egypt)  this  to  verifie, 

Which  by  my  fatting  Nile,  doth  yield  fuch  ftore 

That  me  can  fpare,  when  nations  round  are  poor 

When  I  run  low,  and  not  o'reflow  her  brinks 

To  meet  with  want,  each  woful  man  be-thinks : 

And  fuch  I  am,  in  Rivers,  fhowrs  and  fprings 

But  what's  the  wealth,  that  my  rich  Ocean  brings 

Fifties  fo  numberlefs,  I  there  do  hold 

If  thou  fhouldft  buy,  it  would  exhauft  thy  gold : 

There  lives  the  oyly  Whale,  whom  all  men  know 

Such  wealth  but  not  fuch  like,  Earth  thou  maift  fhow 

The  Dolphin  loving  mulick,  Arians  friend 

The  witty s  Barbel,  whofe  craft  *  doth  her  commend 

With  thoufandsjmore,  which  now  I  lift  not  name 

Thy  filence  of  thy  Beafts  doth  caufe  the  fame 

My  pearles  that  dangle  at  thy  Darlings  ears,  [16] 

Not  thou,  but  fhel-fifh  yield,  as  Pliny  clears. 

Was  ever  gem  fo  rich  found  in  thy  trunk, 

As  Egy-pts  wanton,  Cleopatra  drunk  f 

Or  haft  thou  any  colour  can  come  nigh 

The  Roman  purple,  double  Tirian  Dye? 

*  crafty.  *  wit. 


n6  Anne  Brad/1  reefs  Works. 

Which  Ccefars  Confuls,  Tribunes  all  adorn, 

For  it  to  fearch  my  waves  they  thought  no  fcorn. 

Thy  gallant  rich  perfuming  Amber-greece 

I  lightly  carl  afhore  as  frothy  fleece : 

With  rowling  grains  of  pureft  maffie  gold, 

Which  Spains  Americans  do  gladly  hold. 

Earth  thou  haft  not  moe  countrys  vales  &  mounds 

Then  I  have  fountains,  rivers  lakes  and  ponds. 

My  fundry  feas,  black,  white  and  Adriatique, 

Ionian,  Baltique  and  the  vaft  Atlantique, 

jSiEgean"  Cafpian,  golden  Rivers  five, 

Afphaltis  lake  where  nought  remains  alive: 

But  I  mould  go  beyond  thee  in  my  v  boafts, 

If  I  fhould  name  w  more  feas  then  thou  haft  Coafts. 

And  be  thy  mountains  n'er  fo  high  and  fteep, 

I  foon  can  match  them  with  my  feas  as  deep/* 

To  fpeak  of  kinds  of  waters  I  neglect, 

My  diverfe  fountains  and  their  ftrange  effe<5t: 

My  wholfome  bathes,  together  with  their  cures ; 

My  water  Syrens  with  their  guilefull  lures. 

Th'uncertain  caufe  of  certain  ebbs  and  flows, 

Which  wondring  Ariftotles  wit  n'er  knows. 

Nor  will  I  fpeak  of  waters  made  by  art, 

Which  can  to  life  reflore  a  fainting  heart. 

Nor  fruitfull  dews,  nor  drops  diftil'd  from^  eyes,    [17] 

Which  pitty  move,  and  oft  deceive  the  wife: 

(0 

«  The  Ponticke.  v  thy.  w  fhew. 

^  But  note  this  maxime  in  Philosophy : 

Then  Seas  are  deep,  mountains  are  never  high. 
y  drops  from  weeping. 


The  Four  Elements.  117 

Nor  yet  of  fait  and  fugar,  fweet  and  fmart, 

Both  when  we  lift  to  water  we  convert. 

Alas  thy  fhips  and  oars  could  do  no  good 

Did  they  but  want  my  Ocean  and  my  flood. 

The  wary  merchant  on  his  weary  beaft 

Tranffers  his  goods  from  fouth  to  north  and  eaft, 

Unlefs  I  eafe  his  toil,  and  do  tranfport 

The  wealthy  fraight  unto  his  wifhed  port. 

Thefe  be  my  benefits,  which  may  fuffice: 

I  now  muft  mew  what  ill2  there  in  me  lies. 

The  flegmy  Conftitution  I  uphold, 

All  humors,  tumors  which  are  bred  of  cold: 

O're  childhood  and  ore  winter  I  bear  fway, 

And  Lima  for  my  Regent  I  obey. 

As  I  with  mowers  oft  times  refrefh  the  earth, 

So  oft  in  my  excefs  I  caufe  a  dearth, 

And  with  abundant  wet  fo  cool  the  ground, 

By  adding  cold  to  cold  no  fruit  proves  found. 

The  Farmer  and  the  Gralier  do*  complain 

Of  rotten  fheep,  lean  kine,  and  mildew'd  grain. 

And  with  my  wafting  floods  and  roaring  torrent, 

Their  cattel  hay  and  corn  I  fweep  down  current. 

Nay  many  times  my  Ocean  breaks  his  bounds, 

And  with  aftonifhment  the  world  confounds, 

And  fwallows  Countryes  up,  n'er  feen  again, 

And  that  an  ifland  makes  which  once  was  Main: 

Thus  Britain  fair3  (tis  thought)  was  cut  from  France 

Scicily  from  Italy  by  the  like  chance, 

2  force.  *  Plowman  both.  b  Thus  Albion. 


n8  Anne  Bradftreet^s  Works. 

And  but  one  land  was  Africa  and  Spain  L 

Untill  proud c  Gibraltar  did  make  them  twain. 

Some  fay  I  fwallow'd  up  (fure  tis  a  notion) 

A  mighty  country  in  th?  Atlantique  Ocean. 

I  need  not  fay  much  of  my  hail  and  fnow, 

My  ice  and  extream  cold,  which  all  men  know, 

Whereof  the  firft  fo  ominous  I  rain'd, 

That  Ifraels  enemies  therewith  were  brain'd: 

And  of  my  chilling  fnows^  fuch  plenty  be, 

That  Caucafus  high  mounts  are  feldome  free. 

Mine  ice  doth  glaze  Europes  great e  rivers  o're, 

Till  fun  releafe,  their  mips  can  fail  no  more. 

All  know  that-^  inundations  I  have  made, 

Wherein  not  men,  but  mountains  feem'd  to  wade; 

As  when  Achaia,  all  under  water  flood, 

That  for  two  hundred  years  it  n'er  prov'd  good. 

Deucalions  great  Deluge  with  many  moe, 

But  thefe  are  trifles  to  the  flood  of  Noe, 

Then  wholly  perifh'd  Earths  ignoble  race, 

And  to  this  day  impairs  her  beauteous  face, 

That  after  times  mall  never  feel  like  woe, 

Her  confirm'd  fons  behold  my  colour'd  bow. 

Much  might  I  fay  of  wracks,  but  that  He  fpare, 

And  now  give  place  unto  our  Sifter  Air, 

c  ftraight.  d  colds.  e  big'ft.  /  what. 


The  Four  Elements.  119 


Air.  [19] 

/CONTENT   (quoth  Air)  to  fpeak  the  laft  of  you, 

\"*     Yet  am  not  ignorant*"  firft  was  my  due: 

I  do  fuppofe  you'l  yield  without  controul 

I  am  the  breath  of  every  living  foul. 

Mortals,  what  one  of  you  that  loves  not  me 

Abundantly  more  then  my  Sifters  three? 

And  though  you  love  Fire,  Earth  and  Water  well 

Yet  Air  beyond  all  thefe  you  know  t'excell. 

I  ask  the  man  condemned,  that's  neer  his  death, 

How  gladly  mould  his  gold  purchafe  his  breath, 

And  all  the  wealth  that  ever  earth  did  give, 

How  freely  mould  it  go  fo  he  might  live : 

No  earth,7'  thy  witching  tram  were  all  but  vain, 

If  my  pure  air  thy  fons  did  not  fuftain. 

The  famifh'd  thirfby  man  that  craves  fupply, 

His  moving  reafon  is,  give  leaft  I  dye, 

So  loth  he  is  to  go  though  nature's  fpent 

To  bid  adieu  to  his  dear  Element. 

Nay  what  are  words  which  do  reveal  the  mind, 

Speak  who  or  what  they  will  they  are  but  wind. 

Your  drums  your  trumpets  &  your  organs  found, 

What  is't  but  forced  air  which  doth  i  rebound, 

And  fuch  are  ecchoes  and  report  ofth'  gun 

That  tells  afar  th'exploit  which  it  hath  done. 

Your  Songs  and  pleafant  tunes  they  are  the  fame, 

And  fo's  the  notes  which  Nightingales  do  frame. 

£•  Though  not  through  ignorance.  k  world.  «  muft. 


i2o  Anne  Brad/I  reefs  Works. 

Ye  forging  Smiths,  if  bellows  once  were  gone       [20] 

Your  red  hot  work  more  coldly  would  go  on. 

Ye  Mariners,  tis  I  that  fill  your  fails, 

And  fpeed  you  to  your  port  with  wifhed  gales. 

When  burning  heat  doth  caufe  you  faint,  I  cool, 

And  when  I  fmile,  your  ocean's  like  a  pool. 

I  help  to  ripe  the  corn,  I  turn  the  mill/' 

And  with  my  felf  I  every   Vacuum  fill. 

The  ruddy  fweet  fanguine  is  like  to  air, 

And  youth  and  fpring,  Sages  to  me  compare, 

My  moift  hot  nature  is  fo  purely  thin, 

No  place  fo  fubtilly  made,  but  I  get  in. 

I  grow  more  pure  and  pure  as  I  mount  higher, 

And  when  I'm  throughly  rarifi'd  turn  fire : 

So  when  I  am  condens'd,  I  turn  to  water, 

Which  may  be  done  by  holding  down  my  vapour. 

Thus  I  another  body  can  afTume, 

And  in  a  trice  my  own  nature  refume. 

Some  for  this  caufe  of  late  have  been  fo  bold 

Me  for  no  Element  longer  to  hold, 

Let  fuch  fufpend  their  thoughts,  and  filent  be, 

For  all  Philofophers  make  one  of  me: 

And  what  thofe  Sages  either  k  fpake  or  writ 

Is  more  authentick  then  our l  modern  wit. 

Next  of  my  fowles  fuch  multitudes  there  are, 

Earths  beads  and  waters  fifh  fcarce  can  compare. 

Th'Oftrich  with  her  plumes,  th'Eagle  with  her  eyn 

The  Phsenix  too  (if  any  be)  are  mine, 

j  I  ripe  the  corne,  I  turne  the  grinding  mill ; 
k  Sages  did,  or.  /  their. 


The  Four  Elements,  121 

The  itork,  the  crane,  the  partridg,  and  the  phefant 
The  Thrum,  the  wren/"  the  lark  a  prey  to'th'  pefant. 
With  thoufands  more  which  now  I  may  omit        [21] 
Without  impeachment  to  my  tale  or  wit. 
As  my  frelh  air  preferves  all  things  in  life, 
So  when  corrupt,  mortality  is  rife: 
Then  Fevers,  Purples,  Pox  and  Peftilence, 
With  divers  rrioe,  Work  deadly  confequence: 
Whereof  fuch  multitudes  have  di'd  and  fled, 
The  living  fcarce  had  power  to  bury  dead ; 
Yea  fo  contagious  countryes  have  we  known 
That  birds  have  not  Ycapt  death  as  they  have  flown 
Of  murrain,  cattle  numberlefs  did  fall. 
Men  fear'd  deftrudlion  epidemical. 
Then  of  my  tempefts  felt  at  fea  and  land$ 
Which  neither  fhips  nor  houfes  could  withfland^ 
What  wofull  wracks  I've  made  may  well  appear, 
If  nought  were  known  but  that  before  Algere, 
Where  famous  Charles  the  fifth  more  lofs  fuilaind 
Then  in  his  long  hot  war  which  Mittain  gain'd/' 
Again  what  furious  ftorms  and  Hurricanoes  * 
Know  weftern  Ifles,  as  Chriftophers,  Barbadoes, 

«  The  Pje,  the  Jay. 
«  After-  this  the  first  edition  has,  — 

How  many  rich  fraught  veffells,  have  I  fplit  ? 

Some  upon  fands,  fome  upon  rocks  have  hit. 

Some  have  I  forc'dj  to  gaine  an  unknown  fhoare  j 

Some  overwhelm'd  with  waves,  and  feen  no  more. 
°  Again  what  tempefts,  and  what  hericanoes. 

16 


122  Anne  Bradft  reefs  Works. 

Where  neither  houfes,  trees  nor  plants  I  fpare; 
But  fome  fall  down,  and  fome  fly  up  with  air. 
Earthquakes  fo  hurtfull,  and  fo  fear'd  of  all, 
Imprifon'd  I,  am  the  original. 
Then  what  prodigious  lights  I  fometimes  fhow, 
As  battles  pitcht  in  th'  air,  as  countryes  know, 
Their  joyning  fighting,  forcing  and  retreat, 


That  earth  appears  in  heaven,  O  wonder  great! 


Sometimes  red^  flaming  fwords  and  blazing  ftars. 
Portentous  ligns  of  famines,  plagues  and  wars. 
Which  make  the  mighty  Monarchs  fear  their  fates  [22] 
By  death  or  great  mutation  of  their  States. 
I  have  faid  lefs  then  did  my  Sifters  three, 
But  wrhat's  their  wrath  q  or  force,  the  fame's  r  in  me. 
To  adde  to  all  I've  faid  was  my  intent, 
But  dare  not  go  beyond  my  Element. 

/  {Trance.  q  worth.  r  but  more's. 


Of  the  four  Humours   in  Mans 
Conftitution. 

r  I  ^He  former  four  now  ending  their  difcourfe, 

Cealmg  to  vaunt  their  good,  or  threat  their  force, 
Lo  other  four  ftep  up,  crave  leave  to  fhow 
The  native  qualityes  that  from  them*  flow: 
But  firft  they  wifely  fhew'd  their  high  defcent, 
Each  eldeft  daughter  to  each  Element. 
Choler  was  own'd  by  fire,  and  Blood  by  air, 
Earth  knew  her  black  fwarth  child,  water  her  fair: 
All  having  made  obeyfance  to  each  Mother, 
Had  leave  to  fpeak,  fucceeding  one  the  other: 
But  'mongft  themfelves  they  were  at  variance, 
Which  of  the  four  ftiould  have  predominance. 
Choler  firft  *  hotly  claim'd  right  by  her  mother, 
Who  had  precedency  of  all  the  other: 
But  Sanguine  did  difdain  what  me  required, 
Pleading  her  felf  was  moft  of  all  deiir'd. 
Proud  Melancholy  more  envious  then  the  reft, 
The  fecond,  third  or  laft  could  not  digeft. 

*  each.  t  "  firft''  not  in  the  first  edition. 


124  Anne  Bradft  reefs  Works. 

She  was  the  filenteft  of  all  the  four,  [23] 

Her  wifdom  fpake  not  much,  but  thought  the  more 
Mild*  Flegme  did  not  conteft  for  chiefeft*'  place. 
Only  me  crav'd  to  have  a  vacant  fpace. 
Well,  thus  they  parle  and  chide;  but  to  be  brie£ 
Or  will  they,  nill  they,  Choler  will  be  chief. 
They  feing  her  impetuoiity  w 
At  prefent  yielded  to  neceffity. 


Choler. 

r  I  ^O  fhew  my  high  x  defcent  and  pedegree, 

Your  felves  would  judge  but  vain  prolixity ; 
It  is  acknowledged  from  whence  I  came, 
It  mall  fuffice  to  fhew^  you  what  I  am, 
My  felf  and  mother  one,  as  you  mall  fee, 
But  fhee  in  greater,  I  in  lefs  degree. 
We  both  once  Mafculines,  the  world  doth  know, 
Now  Feminines  awhile,  for  love  we  owe 
Unto  your  Siilerhood,  which  makes  us  render 
Our  noble  felves  in  a  lefs  noble  gender. 
Though  under  Fire  we  comprehend  all  heat, 
Yet  man  for  Choler  is  the  proper  feat: 
I  in  his  heart  erecl:  my  regal  throne, 
Where  Monarch  like  I  play  and  fway  alone. 

"  Cold.  *'  higheft.  w  imperiofity. 

•i   great.  y  tel. 


The  Four  Humours  of  Man.  125 

Yet  many  times  unto  my  great  difgrace 

One  of  your  felves  are  my  Compeers  in  place, 

Where  if  your  rule  prove  once z  predominant, 

The  man  proves  boyifh,  fottifh,  ignorant: 

But  if  you  yield  fubfervience  unto  me,  |  24  | 

I  make  a  man,  a  man  in  th'high'ft  degree : 

Be  he  a  fouldier,  I  more  fence  his  heart 

Then  iron  Corflet  'gainft  a  fword  or  dart. 

What  makes  him  face  his  foe  without  appal, 

To  ftorm  a  breach,  or  fcale  a  city  wall, 

In  dangers  to  account  himfelf  more  fure 

Then  timerous  Hares  whom  Caftles  do  immure  ? 

Have  you  not  heard  of  worthyes,  Demi-Gods  ? 

Twixt  them  and  others  what  is't  makes  the  odds 

But  valour?  whence  comes  that?  from  none  of  you, 

Nay  milkfops  at  fuch  brunts  you  look  but  blew, 

Here's  lifter  ruddy,  worth  the  other  two, 

Who  much  will  talk,  but  little  dares  me  do, 

Unlefs  to  Court  and  claw,  to  dice  and  drink, 

And  there  me  will  out-bid  us  all,  I  think, 

She  loves  a  fiddle  better  then  a  drum, 

A  Chamber  well,  in  field  me  dares  not  come, 

She'l  ride  a  horfe  as  bravely  as  the  belt, 

And  break  a  ftaff,  provided  'be  in  jeft; 

But  fhuns  to  look  on  wounds,  &  blood  that's  fpilt, 

She  loves  her  fword  only  becaufe  its  gilt. 

Then  here's  our  fad  black  Sifter,  worfe  then  you. 

She'l  neither  fay  me  will,  nor  will  me  doe; 

z  once  grow. 


iz6  Anne  Bradftreetfs  Works. 

But  peevifh  Malecontent,  mufing  fits, 

And  by  mifpriffions  like  to  loofe  her  witts : 

If  great  perfwafions  caufe  her  meet  her  foe, 

In  her  dull  refolution  (he's  fo  flow, 

To  march  her  pace  to  fome  is  greater  pain 

Then  by  a  quick  encounter  to  be  flain. 

But  be  fhe  beaten,  fhe'l  not  run  away,  [25] 

She'l  firft  advife  if 't  be  not  beft  to  flay. 

Now*  let's  give  cold  white  fifler  flegme  her  right, 

So  loving  unto  all  fhe  fcorns  to  fight: 

If  any  threaten  her,  fhe'l  in  a  trice 

Convert  from  water  to  congealed  ice: 

Her  teeth  will  chatter,  dead  and  wan's  her  face, 

And  'fore  fhe  be  aflaulted,  quits  the  place. 

She  dares  not  challeng,  if  I  fpeak  amifs, 

Nor  hath  fhe  wit  or  heat  to  blufh  at  this. 

Here's  three  of  you  all  fee  now  what  you  are, 

Then  yield  to  me  preheminence  in  war. 

Again  who  fits  for  learning,  fcience,  arts  ? 

Who  rarifies  the  intellectual  parts: 

From  whence  fine  fpirits  flow  and  witty  notions : 

But  tis b  not  from  our  dull,  flow  fiflers  motions : 

Nor  fifter  fanguine,  from  thy  moderate  heat, 

Poor  fpirits  the  Liver  breeds,  which  is  thy  feat. 

What  comes  from  thence,  my  heat  refines  the  fame 

And  through  the  arteries  fends  it  o're  the  frame: 

The  vital  fpirits  they're  call'd,  and  well  they  may 

For  when  they  fail,  man  turns  unto  his  clay. 

a  But.  ?>  "But  tis"  not  in  the  first  edition. 


The  Four  Humours  of  Man.  127 

The  animal  I  claim  as  well  as  thefe, 

The  nerves,  mould  I  not  warm,  foon  would  they  freeze 

But  flegme  her  felf  is  now  provoked  at  this 

She  thinks  I  never  mot  fo  far  amifs. 

The  brain  me  challengeth,  the  head's  her  feat; 

But  know'ts  a  foolim  brain  that  wanteth  heat. 

My  abfence  proves  it  plain,  her  wit  then  flyes 

Out  at  her  nofe,  or  melteth  at  her  eyes. 

Oh  who  would  mils  this  influence  of  thine  [26] 

To  be  diftill'd,  a  drop  on  every  Line? 

Alas/  thou  haft  no  Spirits,  thy  Company 

Will  feed  a  dropfy,  or  a  Tympany, 

The  Palfy,  Gout,  or  Cramp,  or  fome  fuch  dolour: 

Thou  waft  not  made,  for  Souldier  or  for  Scholar; 

Of  greazy  paunch,  and  bloated  d  cheeks  go  vaunt, 

But  a  good  head  from  thefe  are  diflbnant. 

But  Melancholy,  wouldft  have  this  glory  thine, 

Thou  fayft  thy  wits  are  ftaid,  fubtil  and  fine; 

'Tis  true,  when  I  am  Midwife  to  thy  birth 

Thy  felf's  as  dull,  as  is  thy  mother  Earth: 

Thou  canft  not  claim  the  liver,  head  nor  heart 

Yet  haft  the e  Seat  affign'd,  a  goodly  part 

The  fmke  of  all  us  three,  the  hateful  Spleen 

Of  that  black  Region,  nature  made  thee  Queen ; 

Where  pain  and  fore  obftruction  thou  doft  work, 

Where  envy,  malice,  thy  Companions  lurk.     , 

If  once  thou'rt  great,  what  follows  thereupon 

But  bodies  wafting,  and  deftru6lion  f 

c  No,  r.o.  ^  palled.  *  thy. 


128  Anne  Bradftreef**  Works. 

So  bafe  thou  art,  that  bafer  cannot  be> 

Th'  excrement  aduftion  of  me. 

But  I  am  weary  to  dilate  your  fhame, 

Nor  is't  my  pleafure  thus  to  blur  your  name, 

Only  to  raife  my  honour  to  the  Skies, 

As  objects  belt  appear  by  contraries. 

But7  Arms,  and  Arts  I  claim,  and  higher  things, 

The  princely  qualities  befitting  Kings, 

Whofe  profound^  heads  I  line  with  policies, 

They'r  held  for  Oracles,  they  are  fo  wife, 

Their  wrathful  looks  are  death  their  words  are  laws  [27] 

Their  Courage  it  foe,  friend,  and  Subject  awes; 

But  one  of  you,  would  make  a  worthy  King 

Like  our  fixth  Henry  (that  fame  virtuous  h  thing) 

That  when  a  Varlet  ftruck  him  o're  the  fide, 

Forfooth  you  are  to  blame,  he  grave  reply'd. 

Take  Choler  from  a  Prince,  what  is  he  more 

Then  a  dead  Lion,  by  Beafts  triumph'd  o're. 

Again  you  know,  how  I  a6l  every  part 

By  th'  influence,  I  Hill  fend  from  the  heart: 

It's  nor  your  Mufcles,  nerves,  nor  this  nor  that 

Do's  ought  without  my  lively  heat,  that's  flat:  ' 

Nay  th'  ftomack  magazine  to  all  the  reft 

Without  my  boyling  heat  cannot  digeft: 

And  yet  to  make  my  greatnefs,  ftill  more  great 

What  differences,  the  Sex?  but  only  heat. 

/  Thus.  g  Serene.  *  worthy. 

«  After  this  the  first  edition  has,  — 

The  fpongy  Lung's,  I  feed  with  frothy  blood. 
They  coole  my  heat,  and  fo  repay  mv  good. 


The  Four  Humours  of  Man.  1 29 

And  one  thing  more,  to  clofe  up  my  narration 
Of  all  that  lives,  I  caufe  the  propagation. 
I  have  been  fparings  what  I  might  have  faid 
I  love  no  boafting,  that's  but  Childrens  trade. 
To  what  you  now  mail  fay  I  will  attend, 
And  to  your  weaknefs  gently  condefcend. 


Blood. 

Sifters,  give  me  leave,  as  is  my  place 
To  vent  my  grief,  and  wipe  off  my  difgrace : 
Your  felves  may  plead  your  wrongs  are  no  whit  lefs 
Your  patience  more  then  mine,  I  muft  confefs 
Did  ever  fober  tongue  fuch  language  fpeak,  [28] 

Or  honefty  fuch  tyes  unfriendly  break? 
Doft  know  thy  felf  fo  well  us  fo  amifs  ? 
Is't  arrogance  j  or  folly  caufe th  this  ? 
He  only  fhew  the  wrong  thou'ft  done  to  me, 
Then  let  my  lifters  right  their  injury. 
To  pay  with  railings  is  not  mine  intent, 
But  to  evince  the  truth  by  Argument: 
I  will  analyfe  this  thy  proud  relation 
So  full  of  boafting  and  prevarication, 
Thy  foolifti  *  incongruityes  He  mow, 
So  walk  thee  till  thou'rt  cold,  then  let  thee  go. 

j  ignorance.  k  childiib. 

17 


136  Anne  Bradft reel's  Works. 

There  is  no  Souldier  but  thy  felf  (thou  fayeft,) 

No  valour  upon  Earth,  but  what  thou  haft 

Thy  filly l  provocations  I  defpife, 

And  leave't  to  all  to  judge,  where  valour  lies 

No  pattern,  nor  no  pattron  will  I  bring 

But  David,  Judatts  moft  heroick  King, 

Whofe  glorious  deeds  in  Arms  the  world  can  tell, 

A  rofie  cheek  Mufitian  thou  know'ft  well ; 

He  knew  well  how  to  handle  Sword  and  Harp, 

And  how  to  ftrike  full  fweet,  as  well  as  fharp, 

Thou  laugh'ft  at  me  for  loving  merriment, 

And  fcorn'ft  all  Knightly  fports  at  Turnament. 

Thou  fayft  I  love  my  Sword,  becaufe  it's  gilt, 

But  know,  I  love  the  Blade,  more  then  the  Hill, 

Yet  do  abhor  fuch  temerarious  deeds, 

As  thy  unbridled,  barbarous  Choler  breeds :  m 

Thy  rudenefs  counts  good  manners  vanity, 

And  real  Complements  bafe  flattery. 

For  drink,  which  of  us  twain  like  it  the  belt,         [29] 

He  go  no  further  then  thy  nofe  for  teft: 

Thy  other  feoffs,  not  worthy  of  reply 

Shall  vanifh  as  of  no  validity: 

Of  thy  black  Calumnies  this  is  but  part, 

But  now  He  mew  what  fouldier  thou  art. 

And  though  thou'ft  us'd  me  with  opprobrious  fpight 

My  ingenuity  mufl  give  thee  right. 

Thy  choler  is  but  rage  when  tis  moft  pure, 

But  ufefull  when  a  mixture  can  endure  ; 

'  foolifh.  m  yeelds. 


The  Four  Hutu  ours  of  Man.  131 

As  with  thy  mother  tire,  fo  tis  with  thee, 

The  beft  of  all  the  four  when  they  agree : 

But  let  her  leave  the  reft,  then  n  I  prefume 

Both  them  and  all  things  elfe  me  would  °  conlume. 

VVhilft  us  for  thine  affociates  thou  tak'ft, 

A  Souldier  moft  compleat  in  all  points  mak'ft: 

But  when  thou  fcorn'ft  to  take  the  help  we  lend, 

Thou  art  a  Fury  or  infernal  Fiend. 

Witnefs  the  execrable  deeds  thou'ft  done, 

Nor  {paring  Sex  nor  Age,  nor  Sire  nor  Son; 

To  fatisfie  thy  pride  and  cruelty, 

Thou  oft  haft  broke  bounds  of  Humanity, 

Nay  fhould  I  tell,  thou  would'ft  count  me  no  blab, 

How  often  for  the  lye,  thou'ft  given  the  ftab. 

To  take  the  wall's  a  fin  of  fo  high  rate, 

That  nought  but  death  *  the  fame  may  expiate, 

To  crofs  thy  will,  a  challenge  doth  deferve 

So  fhed'ft  that  blood/  thou'rt  bounden  to  preferve 

Wilt  thou  this  valour,  Courage,  Manhood  call : 

No,  know  'tis  pride  moft  diabolibal. 

If  murthers  be  thy  glory,  tis  no  lefs,  [30] 

He  not  envy  thy  feats,  nor  happinefs: 

But  if  in  fitting  time  and  place  'gainft  foes 

For  countreys  good  thy  life  thou  dar'ft  expofe, 

Be  dangers  n'er  fo  high,  and  courage  great, 

He  praife  that  prowefs,  fury/  Choler,  heat : 

But  fuch  thou  never  art  when  all  alone, 

Yet  fuch  when  we  all  four  are  joyn'd  in  one. 

«  and.  °  will.  .     P  blood. 

•7  So  fpils  that  life.  r  that  fury,  valour. 


132  Anne  Bmd/l reefs  Works. 

And  when  fuch  thou  art,  even  fuch  are  we, 

The  friendly  Coadjutors  ftill  of  thee. 

Nextly  the  Spirits  thou  doft  wholly  claim, 

Which  nafral,  vital,  animal  we  name: 

To  play  Philofopher  I  have  no  lift, 

Nor  yet  Phyiitian,  nor  Anatomift, 

For  acting  thefe,  1  have  no  will  nor  Art, 

Yet  fhall  with  Equity,  give  thee  thy  part 

For  natural/  thou  doft  not  much  conteft; 

For  there  is'  none  (thou  fayft)  if  fome  not  belt; 

That  there  are  fome,  and  beft,  I  dare  averre 

Of  greateft  ufe,  if  reafon  do  not  erre :  * 

What  is  there  living,  which  do'nt  firft  v  derive 

His  Life  now  Animal,  from  vegetive : 

If  thou  giv'ft  life,  I  give  thew  nouriihment, 

Thine  without  mine,  is  not,  'tis  evident: 

But  I  without  thy  help,  can  give  a  growth 

As  plants  trees,  and  fmall  Embryon  know'th 

And  if  vital  Spirits,  do  flow  from  thee 

I  am  as  fure,  the  natural,  from  me : 

Be  *  thine  the  nobler,  which  I  grant,  yet  mine 

Shall  juftly  claim  priority  of  thine. 

I  am  the  fountain  which  thy  Ciftern  fills  [31] 

Through  warm  blew  Conduits  of  my  venial  rills : 

What  hath  the  heart,  but  what's  fent  from  the  liver 

If  thou'rt  the  taker,  I  muft  be  the  giver. 

s  th'  natural.  t  are. 

«  More  ufeful  then  the-  reft,  don't  realbn  erre ; 

*'  cannot.  m  thee.  x  Bu't. 


The  Four  Humours  of  Man. 

Then  never  boait  of  what  thou  doft  receive : 

For  of  fuch  glory  I  fhall  thee  bereave. 

But  why  the  heart  fhould  be  ufurp'd  by  thee, 

I  muft  confefs  feems  fomething^  ftrange  to  me : 

The  fpirits  through  thy  heat  made  perfe6t  are/ 

But  the  Materials  none  of  thine,  that's  clear: 

Their  wondrous  mixture  is  of  blood  and  air, 

The  firft  my  felf,  fecond  my  mother  a  fair. 

But  He  not  force  retorts,  nor  do  thee  wrong, 

Thy  fi'ry  yellow  froth  is  mixt  among, 

Challeng  not  all,  'caufe  part  we  do  allow; 

Thou  know'ft  I've  there  to  do  as  well  as  thou: 

But  thou  wilt  fay  I  deal  unequally, 

Their  lives  the  irafcible  faculty, 

Which  without  all  difpute,  is  Cholers  own ; 

Belides  the  vehement  heat,  only  there  known 

Can  be  imputed,  unto  none  but  Fire 

Which  is  thy  felf,  thy  Mother  and  thy  Sire 

That  this  is  true,  I  eafily  can  affent 

If  ftill  you  take  along  my  Aliment; 

And  let  me  be  your  partner  which  is  due, 

So  fhall  I  give  the  dignity  to  you : 

Again,  Stomacks  Concoction  thou  doft  claim., 

But  by  what  right,  nor  do'ft,  nor  canft  thou  name 

Unlefs  as  heat,  it  be  thy  faculty, 

And  fo  thou  challengeft  her  property/ 

y  is  fomewhat.  z  are  made  perfect  there.  «  filler. 

^  It  is  her  own  heat,  not  thy  faculty, 
Thou  do'it  unjullly  claime,  her  property. 


134  Anne  Bradft  reefs  Works. 

The  help  fhe  needs,  the  loving  liver  lends,  [32] 

Who  th'  benefit  o'th'  whole  ever  intends 

To  meddle  further  I  lhall  be  but  ftient, 

Th'reft  to  our  Sifters  is  more  pertinent; 

Your  flanders  thus  refuted  takes  no  place, 

Nor  what  you've  faid,  doth  argue  my  difgrace/ 

Now  through  your  leaves,  fome  little  time  PI  fpend 

My  worth. in  humble  manner  to  commend 

This,  hot,  moift  nutritive  humour  of  mine 

When  'tis  untaint,  pure,  and  moft  genuine 

Shall  chiefly  d  take  the e  place,  as  is  my '  due 

Without  the  leaft  indignity  to  you. 

Of  all  your  qualities  I  do  partake, 

And  what  you  Jingle  are,  the  whole  I  make 

Your  hot,  moift,  cold,  dry  natures  are  but  four, 

I  moderately  am  all,  what  need  I  more; 

As  thus,  if  hot  then  dry,  if  moifb,  then  cold, 

If  this  you  cann't  difprove/"  then  all  I  hold 

My  virtues  hid,  Pve  let  you  dimly  fee 

My  fweet  Completion  proves  the  verity. 

This  Scarlet  die's  a  badge  of  what's  within 

One  touch  thereof,  fo  beautifies  the  skin: 

Nay,  could  I  be,  from  all  your  tangs  but  pure 

Mans  life  to  boundlefs  Time  might  ftill  endure. 

But  here  one  thrufts  her  heat,  wher'ts  not  requir'd 

So  fuddenly,  the  body  all  is  fired, 

And  of  the  calme  fweet  temper  quite  bereft, 

Which  makes  the  Manfion,  by  the  Soul  foon  left. 

c  Though  caft  upon  my  guiltleffe  blufhing  face ; 

d  firftly.  e  her.  /  If  this  can't  be  difprov'd. 


The  Four  Humours  of  Man.  135 

So  Melancholy  feizes^  on  a  man. 

With  her  unchearful  vifage,  fwarth  and  wan, 

The  body  dryes,  the  mind  fublime  doth  fmother,   [33] 

And  turns  him  to  the  womb  of's  earthy  mother: 

And  flegm  likewife  can  mew  her  cruel  art, 

With  cold  diflempers  to  pain  every  part: 

The  lungs  me  rots,  the  body  wears  away, 

As  if  fhe'd  leave  no  flefh  to  turn  to  clay, 

Her  languifhing  difeafes,  though  not  quick 

At  length  demolifhes  the  Faberick, 

All  to  prevent,  this  curious  care  I  take, 

In  th'  laft  concoction  fegregation  make 

Of  all  the  perverfe  humours  from  mine  own, 

The  bitter  choler  moft  malignant  known 

I  turn  into  his  Cell  clofe  by  my  lide 

The  Melancholy  to  the  Spleen  t'abide: 

Likewife  the  whey,  fome  ufe  I  in  the  veins, 

The  overplus  I  fend  unto  the  reins: 

But  yet  for  all  my  toil,  my  care  and  skill, 

Its  dootn'd  by  an  irrevocable  will 

That  my  intents  mould  meet  with  interruption, 

That  mortal  man  might  turn  to  his  corruption. 

I  might  here  fhew  the  noblenefs  of  mind 

Of  fuch  as  to  the  fanguine  are  inclined, 

They're  liberal,  pleafant,  kind  and  courteous, 

And  like  the  Liver  all  benignious. 

For  arts  and  fciences  they  are  the  fitteft; 

And  maugre  Choler  ilill  they  are  the  wittieft: 

g  ceafes. 


1 36  Anne  Bradft  reefs  Works. 

With  an  ingenious  working  Phantalie, 

A  moft  voluminous  large  Memory, 

And  nothing  wanting  but  Solidity. 

But  why  alas,  thus  tedious  fhould  I  be,  [34] 

Thoufand  examples  you  may  daily  fee. 

If  time  I  have  tranfgreft,  and  been  too  long, 

Yet  could  not  be  more  brief  without  much  wrong; 

I've  fcarce  wip'd  off  the  fpots  proud  choler  cafl, 

Such  venome  lies  in  words,  though  but  a  blaft: 

No  braggs  i've  us'd,  to  you  I  dare  appeal, 

If  modefty  my  worth  do  not  conceal. 

I've  us'd  no  bittererfs  nor  taxt  your  name, 

As  I  to  you,  to  me  do  ye  the  fame. 


Melancholy. 

T  TE  that  with  two  Affailants  hath  to  do, 
•*•  •*•     Had  need  be  armed  well  and  active  too. 
Efpecially  when  friendlhip  is  pretended, 
That  blow's  moft  deadly  where  it  is  intended. 
Though  choler  rage  and  rail,  Pie  not  do  fo. 
The  tongue's  no  weapon  to  affault  a  foe: 
But  fith  we  fight  with  words,  we  might  be  kind 
To  fpare  our  felves  and  beat  the  whiftling  wind, 
Fair  rolie  fifter,  fo  might'ft  thou  fcape  free; 
Fie  flatter  for  a  time  as  thou  didft  me: 


The  Four  Humours  of  Man.  137 


But  when  the  firft  offender  I  have  laid, 
Thy  foothing  girds  fhall  fully  be  repaid. 
But  Choler  be  thou  cool'd  or  chaf 'd,  Fie  venter, 
And  in  contentions  lifts  now  juftly  enter .* 
What  mov'd  thee  thus  to  vilifie  my  name, 
Not  paft  all  reafon,  but  in  truth  all  fhame : 
Thy  fiery  fpirit  fhall  bear  away  this  prize,  [35] 

To  play  fuch  furious  pranks  I  am  too  wife: 
If  in  a  Souldier  rafhnefs  be  fo  precious, 
Know  in  a  General  tis  mofl  pernicious. 
Nature  doth  teach  to  fhield  the  head  from  harm, 
The  blow  that's  aim'd  thereat  is  latcht  by  th'arm. 
When  in  Batalia  my  foes  I  face 
I  then  command  proud  Choler  ftand  thy  place, 
To  ufe  thy  fword,  thy  courage  and  thy  art 
There  to  defend  my  felf,  thy  better  part. 
This  warinefs  count  not  for  cowardize, 
He  is  not  truly  valiant  that's  not  wife. 
It's  no  lefs  glory  to  defend  a  town, 
Then  by  affault  to  gain  one  not  our  own; 
And  if  Marcellus  bold  be  call'd  Romes  fword, 
Wife  Fabius  is  her  buckler  all  accord: 
And  if  thy  haft  my  flownefs  mould  not  temper, 
'Twere  but  a  mad  irregular  diftemper; 
Enough  of  that  by  our  lifters  heretofore, 
He  come  to  that  which  wounds  me  fomewhat  more 
• .  ~..^(:''V  ri  -  •  ,••.-•  •  .-  .-•' '  -•'-••  '•: 

A  After  this  the  first  edition  has,  — 

Thy  boafted  valour  ftoutly's  been  repell'd, 
If  not  as  yet,  by  me,  thou  (halt  be  quell'd  : 
18 


138  Anne  Bradft  reefs  Works. 

Of  learning,  policy  thou  wouldft  bereave  me, 

But  's  not  thine  ignorance  fhall  thus  deceive  me : 

What  greater  Clark  or  Politician  lives, 

Then  he  whofe  brain  a  touch  my  humour  gives  ? 

What  is  too  hot  my  coldnefs  doth  abate, 

What's  diffluent  I  do  confolidate. 

If  I  be  partial  judg'd  or  thought  to  erre, 

The  melancholy  fnake  fhall  it  aver, 

Whofe  '  cold  dry  head  j  more  fubtilty  doth  yield, 

Then  all  the  huge  beafts  of  the  fertile  field. 

Again*  thou  doft  confine  me  to  the  fpleen,  [36] 

As  of  that  only  part  I  were  the  Queen, 

Let  me  as  well  make  thy  precincts  the  Gall, 

So  prifon  thee  within  that  bladder  fmall: 

Reduce  the  man  to's  principles,  then  fee 

If  I  have  not  more  part  then  all  you  three : 

What  is  within,  without,  of  theirs  or  thine, 

Yet  time  and  age  fhall  foon  declare  it  mine. 

When  death  doth  feize  the  man  your  ftock  is  loft, 

When  you  poor  bankrupts  prove  then  have  I  moft. 

You'l  fay  here  none  fhall  e're  difturb  my  right, 

You  high  born  from  that  lump  then  take  your  flight. 

Then  who's  mans  friend,  when  life  &  all  forfakes  ? 

His  Mother  mine,  him  to  her  womb  retakes: 

Thus  he  is  ours,  his  portion  is  the  grave, 

But  while  he  lives,  Fie  fhe.w  what  part  I  have: 

And  firft  the  firm  dry  bones  I  juftly  claim, 

The  flrong  foundation  of  the  flately  frame: 

'  Thole.  j  heads.  *  Thirdly- 


The  Four  Humours  of  Man.  139 

Likewife  the  ufefull  Slpeen,  though  not  the  beft, 

Yet  is  a  bowel  call'd  well  as  the  reft  : 

The  Liver,  Stomack,  owe  their l  thanks  of  right, 

The  rirft  it  drains,  of  th'laft  quicks  appetite. 

Laughter  (tho  thou  fay  malice)  flows  from  hence, 

Thefe  two  in  one  cannot  have  refidence. 

But  thou  moft  groily  doft  miftake  to  think 

The  Spleen  for  all  you  three  was  made  a  fink, 

Of  all  the  reft  thou'ft  nothing  there  to  do, 

But  if  thou  haft,  that  malice  is  m  from  you. 

Again  you  often  touch  my  fwarthy  hue, 

That  black  is  black,  and  I  am  black  tis  true; 

But  yet  more  comely  far  I  dare  avow,  [37] 

Then  is  thy  torrid  nofe  or  brazen  brow. 

But  that  which  fhews  how  high  your  fpight  is  bent 

Is  charging  me  to  be  thy  excrement: 

Thy  loathfome  imputation  I  defie, 

So  plain  a  (lander  needeth  no  reply. 

When  by  thy  heat  thou'ft  bak'd  thy  felf  to  cruft, 

And  fo  art  call'd  black  Choler  or  aduft, 

Thou  witlefs  think'ft  that  I  am  thy  excretion, 

So  mean  thou  art  in  Art  as  in  difcretion:* 

But  by  your*leave  Fie  let  your  greatnefs  fee 

What  Officer  thou  art  to  us  all  three, 

The  Kitchin  Drudge,  the  cleanfer  of  the  links 

That  cafts  out  all  that  man  e're  eats  or  drinks : 

I  owes  it.  **  comes. 

«  Thou  do'ft  aflume  my  name,  wel  be  it  jufl ; 
This  tranfmutation  is,  but  not  excretion, 
Thou  wants  Philofophv,  and  jet  difcretion. 


140  Anne  Brad/lreet 's  Works. 

• 
If  any  doubt  the  truth  whence  this  fhould  come, 

Shew  them  thy  paflage  to  th'  Duodenum;* 

Thy  biting  °  quality  Hill  irritates, 

Till  filth  and  thee  nature  exonerates: 

If  there  thou'rt  ftopt,  to  th'  Liver  thou  turn'ft  in, 

And  thence  with  jaundies  faffrons  all  the  skin. 

No  further  time  He  fpend  in  confutation, 

I  truft  I've  clear'd  your  ilanderous  imputation. 

I  now  fpeak  unto  all,  no  more  to  one, 

Pray  hear,  admire  and  learn  inftru6t.ion. 

My  virtues  yours  furpafs  without  compare, 

The  firfh  my  conilancy  that  jewel  rare : 

Choler's  too  ram  this  golden  gift  to  hold, 

And  Sanguine  is  more  fickle  manifold, 

Here,  there  her  reftlefs  thoughts  do  ever  fly, 

Conftant  in  nothing  but  unconftancy. 

And  what  Flegme  is,  we  know,  like  to  her  mother,  [3 8] 

Unftable  is  the  one,  and  fo  the  other; 

With  me  is  noble  patience  alfo  found, 

• 

Impatient  Choler  loveth  not  the  found, 
What  fanguine  is,  me  doth  not  heed  nor  care, 
Now  up,  now  down,  tranfported  like  the  Air  : 
Flegme's  patient  becaufe  her  nature's  tairfe; 
But  I,  by  virtue  do  acquire  the  fame. 
My  Temperance,  Chaftity  is  eminent, 
But  thefe  with  you,  are  feltfome  refident; 
Now  could  I  ftain  my  ruddy  Sifters  face 
With  deeper  red/  to  fhew  you  her  dfgrace, 

*  bittering.  /  purple  dye. 


The  Four  Humours  of  Man.  141 

• 

But  rather  I  with  lilence  vaile  her  fhame 

Then  caufe  her  blufh,  while  I  relate  q  the  fame. 

Nor  are  ye  free  from  this  inormity, 

Although  me  bear  the  greateft  obloquie, 

My  prudence,  judgement,  I  might  now  reveal 

But  wifdom  'tis  my  wifdome  to  conceal. 

Unto  difeafes  not  inclin'd  as  you, 

Nor  cold,  nor  hot,  Ague  nor  Plurifie, 

Nor  Cough,  nor  Quinfey,  nor  the  burning  Feaver, 

I  rarely  feel  to  acl:  his  fierce  endeavour; 

My  iicknefs  in  conceit  chiefly  doth  lye, 

What  I  imagine  that's  my  malady. 

Chymeraes  ftrange  are  in  my  phantafy, 

And  things  that  never  were,  nor  mall  I  fee 

I  love  not  talk,  Reafon  lies  not  in  length, 

Nor  multitude  of  words  argues  our  ilrength; 

I've  done  pray  fifber  Flegme  proceed  in  Courfe, 

We  mall  expect  much  found,  but  little  force. 


Flegme.  [39] 

T)ATIENT  I  am,  patient  i'd  need  to  be, 

To  bear  with  the  injurious  taunts  of  three, 
Though  wit  I  want,  and  anger  I  have  lefs, 
Enough  of  both,  my  wrongs  now  to  exprefs 

q  dilate. 


142  Anne  Bradftreet^s  Works. 

I've  not  forgot,  how  bitter  Choler  fpake 

Nor  how  her  gaul  on  me  fhe  caufelefs  brake ; 

Nor  wonder  'twas  for  hatred  there's  not  fmall, 

Where  oppofition  is  Diametrical. 

To  what  is  Truth  I  freely  will  afient, 

Although  my  Name  do  fuffer  detriment, 

What's  flanderous  repell,  doubtful  difpute, 

And  when  I've  nothing  left  to  fay  be  mute. 

Valour  I  want,  no  Souldier  am  'tis  true, 

Pie  leave  that  manly  Property  to  you; 

I  love  no  thundring  guns,r  nor  bloody  wars, 

My  polifh'd  Skin  was  not  ordain'd  for  Skarrs: 

But  though  the  pitched  field  I've  ever  fled, 

At  home  the  Conquerours  have  conquered. 

Nay,  I  could  tell  you  what's  more  true  then  meet, 

That  Kings  have  laid  their  Scepters  at  my  feet; 

When  Sifter  fanguine  paints  my  Ivory  face : 

The  Monarchs  bend  and  fue,  but  for  my  grace 

My  lilly  white  when  joyned  with  her  red, 

Princes  hath  flav'd,  and  Captains  captived, 

Country  with  Country,  Greece  with  AJia  fights 

Sixty  nine  Princes,  all  flout  Hero  Knights. 

Under  Troys  walls  ten  )^ears  will  wear J  away,       [40] 

Rather  then  loofe  one  beauteous  Helena. 

But  'twere  as  vain,  to  prove  this  truth  of  mine 

As  at  noon  day,  to  tell  the.  Sun  doth  mine. 

Next  difference  that  'twixt  us  twain  doth  lye 

Who  doth  poflefs  the  brain,  or  thou  or  I  ? 

r  Drums.  s  wafte. 


The  Four  Humours  of  Man.  143 

Shame  forc'd  the  fay,  the  matter  that  was  mine, 

But  the  Spirits  by  which  it  a6ts  are  thine  : 

Thou  fpeakeft  Truth,  and  I  can  fay  no  lefs, 

Thy  heat  doth  much,  I  candidly  confefs; 

Yet  without  oftentation  I  may  fay, 

I  do  as  much  for  thee  another  way:* 

And  though  I  grant,  thou  art  my  helper  here, 

No  debtor  I  becaufe  it's  paid  elfe  where. 

With  all  your  flourifhes,  now  Sifters  three 

Who  is't  that  dare,  or  can,  compare  with  me, 

My  excellencies  are  fo  great,  fo  many, 

I  am  confounded;  fore  I  fpeak  of  any: 

The  brain's  the  nobleft  member  all  allow, 

Its  form  and  Scituation  will  avow, 

Its  Ventricles,  Membranes  and  wondrous  net, 

Galen,  Hippocrates  drive  to  a  fet; 

That  Divine  OfTpring*  the  immortal  Soul 

Though  it  in  all,  and  every  part  be  whole, 

Within  this  ftately  place  of  eminence, 

Doth  doubtlefs  keep  its  mighty  relidence. 

And  furely,  the  Soul  fenlitive  here  lives, 

Which  life  and  motion  to  each  creature  gives, 

The  Conjugation  of  the  parts,  to  th'  braine 

Doth  mew,  hence  flow  the  pow'rs  which  they  retain 

Within  this  high  Built  Cittadel,  doth  lye  [41] 

The  Reafon,  fancy,  and  the  memory; 

t  But  jet  thou  art  as  much,  I  truly  fay, 

Beholding  unto  me  another  way. 
«  E  fie  nee. 


144  Anne  Bradft  reefs  Works. 

The  faculty  of  fpeech  doth  here  abide, 

The  Spirits  animal,  from  hence  do  Hide: 

The  five  fnoft  noble  Senfes  here  do  dwell; 

Of  three  it's  hard  to  fay,  which  doth  excell. 

This  point  now  to  difcufs,  'longs  not  to  me, 

Pie  touch  the  fight,  great'lt  wonder  of  the  three ; 

The  optick  Nerve,  Coats,  humours  all  are  mine, 

The  watry,  glaflie,  and  the  Chryftaline; 

O  mixture  ftrange  !  O  colour  colourlefs, 

Thy  perfect  temperament  who  can  exprefs : 

He  was  no  fool  who  thought  the  foul  lay  there, 

Whence  her  affections  pafiions  fpeak  fo  clear. 

O  good,  O  bad,  O  true,  O  traiterous  eyes 

What  wonderments  within  your  Balls  there  lyes, 

Of  all  the  Senfes  fight  fhall  be  the  Queen; 

Yet  fome  may  wifh,  O  had  mine  eyes  ne're  feen. 

Mine,  likewife  is  the  marrow,  of  the  back, 

Which  runs  through  all  the  Spondles  of  the  rack, 

It  is  the  fubftitute  o'th  royal  brain, 

All  Nerves,  except  feven  pair,  to  it  retain. 

And  the  ftrong  Ligaments  from  hence  arife, 

Which  joynt  to  joynt,  the1  intire  body  tyes. 

Some  other  parts  there  iffue  from  the  Brain, 

Whofe  worth  and  ufe  to  tell,  I  muft  refrain: 

Some  curious  v  learned  Crooke*  may  thefe  reveal 

But  modefty,  hath  charg'd  me  to  conceal 

Here's  my  Epitome  of  excellence: 

For  what's  the  Brains  is  mine  by  Confequence. 

»  worthy.  *  See  Introduction. 


The  Four  Humours  of  Man.  145 

A  foolifh  brain  (quoth  w  Choler)  wanting  heat       [42] 

But  a  mad  one  fay  I,  where  'tis  too  great, 

Phrenfie's  worfe  then  folly,  one  would  more  glad 

With  a  tame  fool  converfe  then  with  a  mad; 

For  learning  then  my  brain  *  is  not  the  fittefl, 

Nor  will  I  yield'  that  Choler  is2  the  wittieft. 

Thy  judgement  is  unfafe,  thy  fancy  little, 

For  memory  the  fand  is  not  more  brittle; 

Again,  none's  fit  for  Kingly  ftate  a  but  thou, 

If  Tyrants  be  the  beft,  I  le  it  allow: 

But  if  love  be  as  requifite  as  fear, 

Then  thou  and  I  muft  make  a  mixture  here. 

Well  to  be  brief,  I  hope  now  Cholers  laid, 

And  Pie  pafs  by  what  Sifter  fanguine  faid. 

To  Melancholy  I  le  make  no  reply, 

The  worffc  me  faid  was  infbability, 

And  too  much  talk,  both  which  I  here  confefs 

A  warning  good,  hereafter  Fie  fay  lefs. 

Let's  now  be  friends;  its  time  our  fpight  were  fpent, 

Left  we  too  late  this  rafhnefs  do  repent, 

Such  premifes  will  force  a  fad  conclufion, 

Unlefs  we  agree,  all  falls  into  confufion. 

Let  Sangine  with  her  hot  hand  Choler  hold, 

To  take  her  moift  my  moifture  will  be  bold : 

My  cold,  cold  melancholy  b  hand  fhall  clafp; 

Her  dry,  dry  Cholers  other  hand  fhall  grafp. 

w  faith.  x  Then,  my  head  for  learning. 

y  Ne're  did  I  heare.  *  was. 

a  place.  b  Melanchollies. 

'9 


146  Anne  Bradftreet^s  Works. 

Two  hot,  two  moift,  two  cold,  two  dry  here  be, 

A  golden  Ring,  the  Pofey  VNITY. 

Nor  jarrs  nor  feoffs,  let  none  hereafter  fee, 

But  all  admire  our  perfect  Amity 

Nor  be  difcern'd,  here's  water,  earth,  air,  fire,        [43] 

But  here  a  compact  body,  whole  intire. 

This  loving  counfel  pleas'd  them  all  fo  well 

That  flegm  was  judg'd  for  kindnefs  to  excell. 


Of  the  Jour  Ages 
of  Man. 

O  now  four  other  a6t c  upon  the  ftage, 

Childhood  and  Youth,  the  Manly  &  Old  age; 
The  firft  fon  unto  flegm,  Grand-child  to  water, 
Unftable,  fupple,  cold  and  moiil's  his  nature. 
The  fecond  frolick,  claims  his  pedegree 
From  blood  and  air,  for  hot  and  moifl  is  he. 
The  third  of  fire  and  Choler  is  composed 
Vindicative  and  quarrelfome  difpos'd. 
The  laft  of  earth,  and  heavy  melancholy, 
Solid,  hating  all  lightnefs  and  all  folly. 
Childhood  was  cloth'd  in  white  &  green  d  to  mow 
His  fpring  was  intermixed  with  fome  fnow: 
Upon  his  head  nature  a  Garland  fet 
Of  Primrofe,  Daizy  &  the  Violet. 

Such  cold  mean  flowrsthe  fpring  puts  forth'  betime[44] 
Before  the  fun  hath  throughly  heat7  the  clime. 
His  Hobby  ftriding  did  not  ride  but  run, 
And  in  his  hand  an  hour-glafs  new  begun, 

c  aits.          d  given.  «  (as  thefe)  bloflbme.          /  warm'fl. 


148  Anne  Bradftreet^s   Works. 

In  danger  every  moment  of  a  fall, 

And  when  tis  broke  then  ends  his  life  and  all : 

But  if  he  hold  till  it  have  run  its  laft, 

Then  may  he  live  out*"  threefcore  years  or  paft. 

Next  Youth  came  up  in  gorgeous  attire, 

(As  that  fond  age  doth  moft  of  all  deiire) 

His  Suit  of  Crimfon  and  his  fcarfe  of  green, 

His  pride  in's  countenance  was  quickly  feen, 

Garland  of  rofes,  pinks  and  gilli-flowers 

Seemed  on's  head  to  grow  bedew'd  with  mowers: 

His  face  as  frefh  as  is  Aurora  fair, 

When  blufhing  me  firft  'gins  to  light h  the  air. 

No  wooden  horfe,  but  one  of  mettal  try'd, 

He  feems  to  fly  or  fwim,  and  not  to  ride. 

Then  prancing  on  the  ftage,  about  he  wheels, 

But  as  he  went  death  waited  at  his  heels. 

The  next  came  up  in  a  much '  graver  fort, 

As  one  that  cared  for  a  good  report, 

His  fword  by's  lide,  and  choler  in  his  eyes, 

But  neither  us'd  as  yet,  for  he  was  wife : 

Of  Autumns  fruits  a  basket  on  his  arm, 

His  golden  God  in's  purie,  which  was  his  charm. 

And  lafl  of  all  to  acl:  upon  this  ftage 

Leaning  upon  his  fbaff  came  up  Old  Age, 

Under  his  arm  a  fheaf  of  wheat  he  bore, 

An  harveft  of  the  beft,  wh#t  needs  he  more  ? 

In's  other  hand  a  glafs  ev'n  almoft  run,  [4=;] 

Thus  writ  about  This  out  then  am  I  done. 

K  til.  h  red.  *  more. 


The  Four  Ages  of  Man.  149 


His  hoary  hairs,  and  grave  afpe£t  made  way, 
And  all  gave  ear  to  what  he  had  to  fay. 
Thefe  being  met  each  in  his  equipage 
Intend  to  fpeak  according  to  their  age: 
But  wife  Old  age  did  with  all  gravity 
To  childim  Childhood  give  precedency, 
And  to  the  reft  his  reafon  mildly  told, 
That  he  was  young  before  he  grew  fo  old. 
To  do  as  he  each  one7  full  foon  afTents, 
Their  method  was  that  of  the  Elements, 
That  each  mould  tell  what  of  himfelf  he  knew, 
Both  good  and  bad,  but  yet  no  more  then's  true. 
With  heed  now  flood  three  ages  of  frail  man, 
To  hear  the  child,  who  crying  thus  began  ; 


Childhood. 

A   H  me  !  conceiv'd  in  fin  and  born  with  forrow, 
•^   ^     A  nothing,  here  to  day  and  gone  to  morrow, 
VVhofe  mean  beginning  blufhing  can't  reveal, 
But  night  and  darknefs  muft  with  fhame  conceal. 
My  mothers  breeding  licknefs  I  will  fpare, 
Her  nine  moneths  weary  burthen  not  declare. 
To  mew  her  bearing  pains,*  I  fhould  do  wrong, 
To  tell  thofe  pangs'  which  can't  be  told  by  tongue: 

j  the  reft.  *  pangs.  *  that  paine. 


150  Anne  Bradftreefs  Works. 

With  tears  into  the  world  I  did  arrive, 

My  mother  ftill  did  wafte  as  I  did  thrive, 

Who  yet  with  love  and  all  alacrity,  [46] 

Spending,  was  willing  to  be  fpent  for  me. 

With  wayward  cryes  I  did  difturb  her  reft, 

Who  fought  ftill  to  appeafe  me  with  the  brealt: 

With  weary  arms  me  danc'd  and  By  By  fung, 

When  wretched  I  ingrate  had  done  the  wrong. 

When  infancy  was  paft,  my  childifhnefs 

Did  a<5t  all  folly  that  it  could  exprefs, 

My  lillinefs  did  only  take  delight 

In  that  which  riper  age  did  fcorn  and  flight. 

In  Rattles,  Baubles  and  fuch  toyifh  ftuff, 

My  then  ambitious  thoughts  were  low  enough : 

My  high-born  foul  fo  ftraightly  was  confin'd, 

That  its  own  worth  it  did  not  know  nor  mind: 

This  little  houfe  of  flefh  did  fpacious  count, 

Through  ignorance  all  troubles  did  furmount; 

Yet  this  advantage  had  mine  ignorance 

Freedom  from  envy  and  from  arrogance. 

How  to  be  rich  or  great  I  did  not  cark, 

A  Baron  or  a  Duke  ne'r  made  my  mark, 

Nor  ftudious  was  Kings  favours  how  to  buy, 

With  coftly  prefence™  or  bafe  flattery: 

No  office  coveted  wherein  I  might 

Make  ftrong  my  felf  and  turn  alide  weak  right: 

No  malice  bare  to  this  or  that  great  Peer, 

Nor  unto  buzzing  whifperers  gave  ear: 

'»  prefents. 


The  Four  Ages  of  Man.  15 1 

I  gave  no  hand  nor  vote  for  death  or  life, 

I'd  nought  to  do  'twixt  King71  and  peoples  ftrife. 

No  Statift  I,  nor  Martilift  in'th  field, 

Where  ere  I  went  mine  innocence  was  fhield. 

My  quarrels  not  for  Diadems  did  rife,  [47] 

But  for  an  apple,  plum,  or  fome  fuch  prize: 

My  flrokes  did  caufe  no  blood  °  no  wounds  or  skars. 

My  little  wrath  did  endp  foon  as  my  Warrs  : 

My  Duel  was  no  challeng  nor  did  feek 

My  foe  mould  weltring  in  his  bowels  reek. 

I  had  no  fuits  at  law  neighbours  to  vex, 

Nor  evidence  for  lands  did  me  perplex. 

I  fear'd  no  ftorms,  nor  all  the  wind  that  blowes, 

I  had  no  mips  at  fea;  nor  fraights  to  loofe. 

I  fear'd  no  drought  nor  wet,  I  had  no  crop, 

Nor  yet  on  future  things  did  fet9  my  hope. 

This  was  mine  innocence,  but  ah!  the  feeds 

Lay  raked  up  of  all  the  curfed  weeds 

Which  fprouted  forth  in  mine  enfuing  age, 

As  he  can  tel  that  next  comes  on  the  ftage: 

But  yet  let  me  relate  before  I  go 

The  lins  and  dangers  I  am  fubjedt  to, 

Stained  from  birth  with  Adams  finfull  fa6l, 

Thence  I  began  to  fin  as  foon  as  a6t: 

A  perverfe  will,  a  love  to  what's  forbid, 

A  ferpents  fling  in  pleafing  face  lay  hid : 

A  lying  tongue  as  foon  as  it  could  fpeak, 

And  fifth  Commandment  do  daily  break. 

«  Prince.  °  death.  P  ceafe.  1  place. 


152  Anne  Bradftreef  s   Works. 

Oft  ftubborn,  peevifh,  fallen,  pout  and  cry, 

Then  nought  can  pleafe,  and  .yet  I  know  not  why. 

As  many  are  r  my  fins,  fo  dangers  too ; 

For  fin  brings  forrow,  ficknefs  death  and  woe: 

And  though  I  mifs  the  toffings  of  the  mind, 

Yet  griefs  in  my  frail  flefh  I  ftill  do  find. 

What  gripes  of  wind  mine  infancy  did  pain,         [48] 

What  tortures  I  in  breeding  teeth  fuftain  ? 

What  crudityes  my  ftomack  cold  hath  bred, 

Whence  vomits,  flux  and  worms  have  iflued? 

What  breaches,  knocks  and  falls  I  daily  have, 

And  fome  perhaps  I  carry  to  my  grave, 

Sometimes  in  fire,  fometimes  in  water  fall, 

Strangly  prefev'd,  yet  mind  it  not  at  all : 

At  home,  abroad  my  dangers  manifold, 

That  wonder  tis,  my  glafs  till  now  doth  hold. 

Pve  done;  unto  my  elders  I  give  way, 

For  tis  but  little  that  a  child  can  fay. 


Youth. 

TV  /TY  goodly  cloathing,  and  my  beauteous  skin 

Declare  fome  greater  riches  are  within: 
But  what  is  beft  Fie  firft  p'refent  to  view, 
And  then  the  worfl  in  a  more  ugly  hue: 


r  was. 


77/ e  Fo  u  r  Ages  of  Ma  n.  153 

For  thus  to  doe  we  on  this  ftage  affemble, 

Then  let  not  him  that  hath  moil  craft  diffemble. 

My  education  and  my  learning  fuch, 

As  might  my  felf  and  others  profit  much ; 

With  nurture  trained  up  in  virtues  fchools 

Of  fcience,  arts  and  tongues  I  know  the  rules, 

The  manners  of  the  court  I  alfo s  know, 

And  fo  likewife  *  what  they  in'th  Country  doe. 

The  brave  attempts  of  valiant  knights  I  prize, 

That  dare  fcale  walls  and  forts  *  rear'd  to  the  skies. 

The  fnorting  Horfe,  the  trumpet,  Drum  I  like,       [49] 

The  glitfring  fword,  the  Fiftol  and  the  Pike: " 

I  cannot  lye  intrench'd  before  a  town, 

Nor  wait  till  good  fuccefs  w  our  hopes  doth  crown : 

I  fcorn  the  heavy  Corflet,  musket-proof; 

I  fly  to  catch  the  bullet  thats  aloof. 

Though  thus  in  field,  at  home  to  all  molt  kind, 

So  affable,  that  I  can  x  fuit  each  mind. 

I  can  infinuate  into  the  breafl, 

And  by  my  mirth  can  raife  the  heart  depreft: 

Sweet  mufick  raps  my  brave  harmonious  foul, 

My  high  thoughts  elevate  beyond  the  pole  :y 

My  wit,  my  bounty,  and  my  courtefie, 

Make  all  to  place  their  future  hopes  on  me. 

•*  likewife,  t  Not  ignorant.         u  That  dare  climbe  Battlements. 

v  and  wel  advanced  Pike ;  w  advice.  x  do. 

y  Sweet  Mufick  rapteth  my  harmonious  Soul, 
And  elevates  my  thoughts  above  the  Pole. 

20 


Anne  Bradftreefs  Works. 

This  is  my  beft,  but  Youth  is  known,  Alas! 

To  be  as  wild  as  is  the  fnuffing  Afs : 

As  vain  as  froth,  or  vanity  can  be, 

That  who  would  fee  vain  man,  may  look  on  me. 

My  gifts  abusd,  my  education  loft, 

My  wofull  Parents  longing  hopes  are z  croft, 

My  wit  evaporates  in  merriment, 

My  valour  in  fome  beaftly  quarrell's  fpent:  * 

My  luft  doth  hurry  me  to  all  that's  ill: 

I  know  no  law  nor  reafon  but  my  will. 

Sometimes  lay  wait  to  take  a  wealthy  purfe, 

Or  ftab  the  man  in's  own  defence  (that's  worfe) 

Sometimes  I  cheat  (unkind)  a  female  heir 

Of  all  at  once,  who  not  fo  wife  as  fair 

Trufteth  my  loving  looks  and  glozing  tongue, 

Untill  her  friends,  treafure  and  honour's  gone. 

Sometimes  I  fit  carouling  others  health,  [5°] 

Untill  mine  own  be  gone,  my  wit  and  wealth. 

From  pipe  to  pot,  from  pot  to  words  and  blows, 

For  he  that  loveth  wine,  wanteth  no  woes. 

Whole b  nights  with  Ruffins,  Roarers  Fidlers  fpend, 

To  all  obfcenity  mine  ears  I  lend : c 

All  Counfell  hate,  which  tends  to  make  me  wife, 

And  deareft  friends  count  for  mine  enemies. 

*  all. 

«  After  this  the  first  edition  has,  — 

Martial  deeds  I  love  not,  'caufe  they're  vertuous, 
But  doing  fo,  might  feem  magnanimous. 

*  Dajcs.  c  bend. 


The  Four  Ages  of  Man. 

If  any  care  I  take  tis  to  be  fine, 

For  fure  my  fuit,  more  then  my  virtues  mine 

If  time  from  leud  Companions  I  can  fpare, 

'Tis  fpent  to  curie,  and  pounce  my  new-bought  hair/ 

Some  new  *  Adonis  I  do  ftrive  to  be ; 

Sardanapalus  now  furvives  in  me. 

Cards,  Dice,  and  Oathes  concomitant  I  love, 

To  playes,  to  mafques,  to  Taverns  ftill  I  move. 

And  in  a  word,  if  what  I  am  you'd  hear, 

Seek  out  a  Brittifk  bruitifh  Cavaleer: 

Such  wretch,  fuch  Monfter  am  I,  but  yet  more, 

I  have  no  heart  at  all  this  to  deplore/ 

Remembring  not  the  dreadfull  day  of  doom, 

Nor  yet  that  heavy  reckoning  foon  to  come. 

Though  dangers  do  attend  me  every  hour, 

And  gaftly  Death  oft  threats  me  with  his^  power, 

Sometimes  by  wounds  in  idle  Combates  taken, 

Sometimes  with  Agues  all  my  body  Ihaken: 

Sometimes  by  fevers,  all  my  moifture  drinking, 

My  heart  lies  frying,  &  mine  eyes  are  finking, 

Sometimes  the  Quinfey, h  painfull  Pleuriiie, 

With  fad  affrighrs  of  death  doth  menace  me: 


*.  If  any  time  from  company  I  fpare, 
'Tis  fpent  in  curling,  frifling  up  my  hair ; 

*  young. 

/  I  want  a  heart  all  this  for  to  deplore. 
Thus,  thus  alas !  I  have  mifpent  my  time, 
My  youth,  my  beft,  my  ftrength,  my  bud,  and  prime  : 

f  her.  *  Cough,  Stitch. 


156  Anne  Bradft  reefs  Works. 

Sometimes  the  two  fold  Pox  me  fore  beimarrs      [51] 

With  outward  marks,  &  inward  loathfome  fcarrs,' 

Sometimes  the  Phrenzy  llrangly  mads  my  brain, 

That  oft  for  it  in  Bedlam  I  remain. 

Too  many  my  difeafes  to  recite, 

That  wonder  tis,  I  yet  behold  the  light, 

That  yet  my  bed  in  darknefs  is  not  made, 

And  I  in  black  oblivions  Den  nowy  laid. 

Of  aches  full  my  bones,  of  woe  my  heart, 

Clapt  in  that  prifon,  never  thence  to  ftart/ 

Thus  I  have  faid,  and  what  I've  been,  l  you  fee 

Childhood  and  Youth  are  vain  ye  m  vanity. 


Middle  Age. 

/CHILDHOOD  and  Youth  (forgot)  I've  fometimes 
^     feen 

And  now  am  grown  more  ftaid  who  have  bin  green 
What  they  have  done,  the  fame  was  done  by  me, 
As  was  their  praife  or  fhame,  fo  mine  muft  be. 

*  Sometimes  the  loathfome  Pox,  my  face  be-mars, 
With  ugly  marks  of  his  eternal  fears  ; 

j  long. 

*  Of  Marrow  ful  my  bones,^of  Milk  my  breafts, 
Ceas'd  *  by  the  gripes  of  Serjeant  Death's  Arrefts  :  t 

1  faid.  m  yea. 

*  See  p   135,  note^-. 

t  "  -  (as  this  fell  sergeant,  death, 

Is  strict  in  his  arrest)."  —  HAMLET,  v.  2. 


Th  e  Fo  u  r  Ages  of  ML  ui.  157 

Now  age  is  more;  more  good  you  may"  expert, 

But  more  mine  age,  the  more  is  my  defect.* 

When  my  wild  oates  were  fown  &  ripe  and  mown 

I  then  received  an  harveft  of  mine  own. 

My  realbn  then  bad  judge  how  little  hope 

My'  empty  feed  fhould  yield  a  better  crop: 

Then  with  both  hands  I  grafpt  the  world  together 

Thus  out  of  one  extream  into  another: 

But  yet  laid  hold  on  virtue  feemingly, 

Who  climbs  without  hold  climbs  dangeroufly: 

Be  my  condition  mean,  I  then  take  pains  [52] 

My  Family  to  keep,  but  not  for  gains. 

A  Father  I,  for  children  muft  provide; 

But  if  none,  then  for  kindred  near  ally'd. 

If  rich,  I'm  urged  then  to  gather  more, 

To  bear  a  port7  i'th'world,  and  feed  the  poor. 

If  noble,  then  mine  honour  to  maintain, 

If  not,  riches  r  nobility  can  gain. 

For  time,  for  place,  likewife  for  each  Relation 

I  wanted  not,  my  ready  allegation. 

Yet  all  my  powers  for  felf  ends  are  not  fpent, 

For  hundreds  blefs  me  for  my  bounty  lent/ 

Whofe  backs  *  I've  cloth'd,  and  bellyes  I  have  fed 

With  mine  own  fleece,  &  with  my  houfhold  bread, 

«  do. 

°  After  this  the  first  edition  has,  — 

But  what's  of  worth,  your  eyes  flial  firft  behold, 

And  then  a  world  of  drofle  among  my  gold. 
P  Such.  <7  me  out.  »•  yet  wealth. 

s  fent.  *  loynes. 


158  Anne  Bradftreet^s  Works. 

. 

Yea,  juftice  have  I  done,  was  I  in  place, 

To  chear  the  good,  and  wicked  to  deface. 

The  proud  I  crufh't,  th'opprefled  I  fet  free, 

The  lyars  curb'd,  but  nourifht  verity. 

Was  I  a  Pailor,  I  my  Flock  did  feed, 

And  gently  lead  the  Lambs  as  they  had  need. 

A  Captain  I,  with  Skill  I  train'd  rny  Band, 

And  fhew'd  them  how  in  face  of  Foes  to  Hand. 

A  Souldier  I,  with  fpeed  I  did  obey 

As  readily,  as  could  my  leader  fay. 

Was  I  a  labourer,  I  wrought  all  day 

As  cheerfully  as  e're  I  took  my  pay. 

Thus  hath  mine  Age  in  all  fometimes  done  well, 

Sometimes  again,  mine  Age  u  been  worfe  then  Hell. 

In  meannefs,  greatnefs,  riches,  poverty, 

Did  toyle,  did  broyle,  oppreff'd,  did  fbeal  and  lye. 

Was  I  as  poor  as  poverty  could  be,  [53] 

Then  bafenefs  was  Companion  unto  me. 

Such  fcum  as  hedges  and  high-ways  do  yield, 

As  neither  fow,  nor  reap,  nor  plant,  nor  build, 

If  to  Agriculture  I  was  ordain'd, 

Great  labours,  forrows,  Croffes  I  fuftain'd. 

The  early  Cock  did  fummon  but  in  vain 

My  wakeful  thoughts  up  to  my  painful  gain : v 

My  weary  Beaft  reft  from  his  toyle  can  find, 

But  if  I  reft  the  more  diftreft  my  mind. 

*  Sometimes  mine  age  (in  all). 
v  After  this  the  first  edition  has,  — 

For  reftlefie  day  and  night,  I'm  rob'd  of  fleep, 

By  cankered  care,  who  centinel  doth  keep. 


The  Four  Ages  of  Man. 

If  happinefs  my  fordidnefs  hath  found, 

?Twas  in  the  Crop  of  my  manured  ground. 

My  thriving  Cattle  and  my  new-milch-Cow, 

My  fleeced  Sheep,  and  fruitful  farrowing  Sow:  w 

To  greater  things  I  never  did  afpire, 

My  dunghil  thoughts  or  hopes  could  reach  no  higher. 

If  to  be  rich  or  great  it  was  my  fate, 

How  was  I  broyl'd  with  envy  and  with  hate? 

Greater  then  was  the  great'ft  was  my  deiire, 

And  thirft  for  honour,  fet  my  heart  on  fire :  * 

And  by  Ambition's y  fails  I  was  fo  carried, 

That  over  Flats  and  fands,  and  Rocks  I  hurried, 

Oppreft  and  funk,  and  ftav'd z  all  in  my  way 

That  did  oppofe  me,  to  my  longed  Bay. 

My  thirft  was  higher  then  nobility, 

I  oft  long'd  fore  to  tail  on  Royalty: 

Then  Kings  muft  be  depos'd  or  put  to  flight, 

I  might  poflefs  that  Throne  which  was  their  right  ;* 

There  fet,  I  rid  my  felf  ftraight  out  of  hand 

Of  fuch  Competitors,  as  might  in  time  withftand.' 

«>  My  fatted  Oxe,  and  my  exuberous  Cow, 

My  fleeced  Ewe,  and  ever  farr  owing  Sow. 
*  And  greater  ftil,  did  fet  my  heart  on  fire. 

If  honour  was  the  point,  to  which  I  fteer'd ; 

To  run  my  hull  upon  difgrace  I  fear'd. 
y  But  by  ambitious.  z  fact. 

«  Instead  of  this  and  the  preceding  line,  the  first  edition  has,  — 

Whence  poyfon,  Piftols,  and  dread  inftruments, 

Have  been  curft  furtherers  of  mine  intents. 

Nor  Brothers,  Nephewes,  Sons,  nor  Sires  I've  fpar'd, 

When  to  a  Monarchy,  my  way  they  barr'd. 
t  Of  fuch  as  might  my  fon,  or  his  withftand. 


160  Anne  Bradftreet^s  Works. 

Then  thought  my  ftate  firm  founded  fure  to  laft,     [54] 

But  in  a  trice  'tis  ruin'd  by  a  blaft, 

Though  cemented  with  more  then  noble  bloud, 

The  bottom  nought,  and  fo  no  longer  Hood/ 

Sometimes  vain  glory  is  the  only  baite 

Whereby  my  empty  Soul  is  lur'd  and  caught. 

Be  I  of  wit/  of  learning,  and  of  parts, 

I  judge  I  mould  have  room  in  all  mens  hearts. 

And  envy  gnaws  if  any  do  furmount, 

I  hate,  not  to  be  held  in  high'ft  account/ 

If  Bias  like  I'm  ftript  unto  my  skin, 

I  glory  in  my  wealth  I  have  within.* 

Thus  good  and  bad,  and  what  I  am  you  fee, 

Now  in  a  word,  what  my  difeafes  be. 

The  vexing  Hone  in  bladder  and  in  reins, 

The  Strangury  torments  me  with  fore  pains/ 

The  windy  Cholick  oft  my  bowels  rend,  ' 

To  break  the  darkfome  prifon  where  it's  pen'd. 

The  Cramp  and  Gout^  doth  fadly  torture  me, 

And  the  reftraining,  lame  Sciatica. 

The  Aftma,  Megrim,  Palfy,  Lethargic, 

The  quartan  Ague,  dropfy,  Lunacy :h 

c  Instead  of  this  and  the  three  preceding  lines,  the  first  edition  has, — 

Then  heapt  up  gold,  and  riches  as  the  clay; 

Which  others  fcatter,  like  the  dew  in  May. 
d  worth.  e  I  hate  for  to  be  had,  in  fmall  account. 

/  Torments  me  with  intollerable  paines ; 
e  The  knotty  Gout. 
A  The  Quinfie,  and  the  Feavours,  oft  diftafte  me, 

And  the  Confumption,  to  the  bones  doth  wafte  me; 
*  "Omnia  mea  porto  mecum."  — BIAS,  afud  Cic.  Parad.  I.  i.  8. 


The  Four  Ages  of  Man.  161 

Subject  to  all  diilempers  '  (that's  the  truth) 
Though  fome  more  incident,  to  Age  or  Youth. 
And  to  conclude,  I  may  not  tedious  be, 
Man  at  his  bed  eftate  is  vanity. 


Old  Age. 

"\  T  7HAT  you  have  been,  ev'n  fuch  have  I  before: 

*  *     And  all  you  fay,  fay  I,  and  fomewhat  more. 
Babes  innocence,  youths  wildnefs  I  have  feen,       [55] 
And  in  perplexed  middle  Age  have  been: 
Sicknefs,  dangers,  and  anxieties  have  paft, 
And  on  this  ftage  am  come  to  a6t  my  laft. 
I  have  been  young,  and  ftrong,  and  wife  as  you : 
But  now  Bis  pueri  fenes,  is  too  true. 
In  every  Age  I've  found  much  vanity, 
An  end  of  all  perfection  now  I  fee. 
It's  not  my  valour,  honour,  nor  my  gold, 
My  ruin'd  houfe  now  falling  can  uphold. 
It's  not  my  learning  Rhetorick  wit  fo  large, 
Hath  now  the  power,  death's  warfare  to  difcharge. 
It's  not  my  goodly  fbate/  nor  bed  of  downe 
That  can  refrefh,  or  eafe,  if  Confcience  frown. 
Nor  from  Alliance  can  I  now  have  hope, 
But  what  I  have  done  well,  that  is  my  prop; 

«  Difeafes.  J  houfe. 

21 


1 62  Anne  Bradft  reefs  Works. 

He  that  in  youth  is  godly,  wife  and  fage, 

Provides  a  ftaff  then  to  fupport  his  Age. 

Mutations  great,  fome  joyful  and  fome  fad, 

In  this  fhort  pilgrimage  I  oft  have  had. 

Sometimes  the  Heavens  with  plenty  fmiFd  on  me 

Sometime  again  rain'd  all  Adverfity. 

Sometimes  in  honour,  fometimes  in  difgrace, 

Sometime  an  Abject,  then  again  in  place. 

Such  private  changes  oft  mine  eyes  have  feen, 

In  various  times  of  fbate  I've  alfo  been. 

I've  feen  a  Kingdome  flourifh  like  a  tree, 

When  it  was  rul'd  by  that  Celefttal  me  ;* 

And  like  a  Cedar,  others  fo  furmount: 

That  but  for  fhrubs  they  did  themfelves  account. 

Then  faw  I  France  and  Holland,  fav'd  Cales  won,f  [56] 

And  Philip  and  Albertus  half  undone. 

I  faw  all  peace  at  home,  terror  to  foes, 

But  ah,  I  faw  at  laft  thofe  eyes  to  clofe, 

And  then  methought  the  day  k  at  noon  grew  dark 

When  it  had  loft  that  radiant  Sun-like  Spark: 

*  Queen  Elizabeth. 

f  It  is  difficult  to  explain  this  reference  unless  the  destruction  of  the  Span 
ish  Armada  in  1588  is  meant.  While  it  was  at  anchor  before  Calais,  it  was 
scattered  and  put  to  flight  by  a  successful  stratagem  of  the  English  admiral. 
The  Englim  thus  gained  an  advantage  which  they  soon  followed  up  to 
victory.  It  can  hardly  refer  to  the  surprise  of  Calais  in  1596,  by  Albert, 
Archduke  of  Austria,  who  had  recently  been  made  Governor  of  the  Neth 
erlands  by  Philip  II.  of  Spain.  The  various  successes  of  Elizabeth  may, 
perhaps,  be  said  to  have  "  half  undone"  Philip  and  Albert. 

k  world. 


The  Four  Ages  of  Man.  163 

In  midft  of  griefs  I  law  our l  hopes  revive, 

(For  'twas  our  hopes  then  kept  our  hearts  alive) 

We  chang'd  our  queen  for  king  *  under  whofe  rayes 

We  joy'd  in  many  bleft  and  profperous  dayes. 

I've  feen  a  Prince,  the  glory  of  our  land 

In  prime  of  youth  feiz'd  by  heavens  angry  hand, 

Which  fil'd  our  hearts  with  fears,  with  tears  our  eyes, 

Wailing  his  fate,  &  our  own  deftinies.f 

I've  feen  from  Rome  an  execrable  thing, 

A  Plot  to  blow  up  Nobles  and  their  King, 

But  faw  their  horrid  fact  foon  difappointed, 

And  Land  &  Nobles  fav'd  with  their  anointed.  J 

I've  Princes  feen  to  live  on  others  lands; 

A  royal  one  by  gifts  from  flrangers  hands 

Admired  for  their  magnanimity, 

Who  loft  a  Prince-dome  and  a  Monarchy.§ 

I've  feen  deligns  for  Ree  and  Rochel  croft,  || 

And  Poor  Palatinate  for  ever  loft. 

1  ibme. 

*  James  I. 

t  Henry,  Prince  of  Wales,  died  suddenly  Nov.  6,  1612,  in  his  nineteenth 
year.  He  was  very  popular,  and  his  death  was  greatly  lamented,  espe 
cially  by  the  more  religious  party,  whose  friend  he  was. 

\.  Gunpowder  Plot. 

§  The  Elector  Palatine  Frederick  V.,  who  had  married  the  Princess 
Elizabeth,  daughter  of  James  I.,  accepted  the  crown  from  the  revolted  states 
of  Bohemia  in  1619.  He  did  not  long  enjoy  this  dangerous  honor,  but  was 
beaten  by  the  Austrians  in  the  battle  of  Prague,  Nov.  9,  1620,  and  was 
obliged,  with  his  family,  to  take  refuge  in  Holland.  He  soon  after  lost  also 
his  hereditary  possessions,  and  passed  the  rest  of  his  life  as  a  needy  exile, 
wandering  from  court  to  court.  The-  Reformed  Religion  in  Bohemia  fell 
with  him ;  an  event  which  caused  the  greatest  sorrow  to  all  Protestants. 

||  Buckingham  made  an  unsuccessful  attempt  to  take  the  Isle  de  Rhc,  in 


164  Anne  Bradftreetfs  Works. 

I've  feen  unworthy  men  advanced  high, 

(And  better  ones  fuffer  extremity) 

But  neither  favour,  riches,  title,  State, 

Could  length  their  dayes  or  once  reverfe  their  fate 

I've  feen  one  ftab'd,*  and  fome  to  loofe  their  heads  f 

And  others  fly,  ftruck  both  with  gilt  and  dread. 

I've  feen  and  fo  have  you,  for  tis  but  late,  [57] 

The  defolation  of  a  goodly  State, 

Plotted  and  afted  fo  that  none  can  tell, 

Who  gave  the  counfel,  but  the  Prince  of  hell, 

Three  hundred  thoufand  ilaughtered  innocents, 

By  bloudy  Popifh,  hellilh  mifcreants : 

Oh  may  you  live,  and  fo  you  will  I  truft 

To  fee  them  fwill  in  bloud  untill  they  burlt.J 

I've  feen  a  King  §  by  force  thruft  from  his  throne, 

And  an  Ufurper||  fubt'ly  mount  thereon. 

front  of  La  Rochelle,  in  1627.  Instead  of  " Rochel"  the  first  edition  has 
"  Cades"  referring  to  the  failure  of  a  naval  expedition  under  the  command 
of  Sir  Edward  Cecil,  which  sailed  in  October,  1625,  to  capture  some  Span 
ish  treasure  ships  in  the  bay  of  Cadiz. 

*  Buckingham. 

t  The  Earl  of  Strafford,  Archbishop  Laud,  and  Charles  I. 

%  Whoever  has  read  of  the  massacre  and  inhuman  atrocities  connected 
with  the  Insurrection  in  Ireland  in  1641  will  not  be  surprised  at  the  strong 
language  of  the  author.  As  to  the  number  of  those  killed,  Hume  says, 
"By  some  computations,  those  who  perished  by  all  these  cruelties  are  sup 
posed  to  be  a  hundred  and  fifty  or  two  hundred  thousand  :  by  the  most 
moderate,  and  probably  the  most  reasonable  account,  they  are  made  to 
amount  to  forty  thousand,  —  if  this  estimation  itself  be  not,  as  is  usual 
in  such  cases,  somewhat  exaggerated."  —  HISTORY  OF  ENGLAND,  chap. 
Iv. 

§  Charles  I.  ||  Cromwell. 


The  Four  Ages  of  Man.  165 

I've  feen  a  ilate  unmoulded,  rent  in  twain, 
But  ye  may  live  to  fee't  made  up  again. 
I've  feen  it  plunder'd,  taxt  and  foak'd  in  bloud, 
But  out  of  evill  you  may  fee  much  good. 
What  are  my  thoughts,  this  is  no  time  to  fay. 
Men  may  more  freely  fpeak  another  day.* 


*  In  the  first  edition  there  is  a  different  version  of  the  events  related  in 
the  passage  beginning  with  line  3,  page  163  ("  We  changed  our  queen 
for  king,"  &c.),  and  ending  here.  It  will  be  observed  in  this  and  many 
other  places,  that  the  author,  in  preparing  her  poems  for  republication,  had 
regard  to  the  political  changes  which  had  taken  place.  Charles  II.  had 
been  restored,  and  it  was  necessary  to  be  loyal  or  silent. 

I  faw  hopes  dafht,  our  forwardneffe  was  fhent, 

And  filenc'd  we,  by  Adi  of  Parliament. 

I've  feen  from  Rome,  an  execrable  thing, 

A  plot  to  blow  up  Nobles,  and  their  King; 

I've  feen  delignes  at  Ree,  and  Cades  croft, 

And  poor  Palatinate  for  ever  loft; 

I've  feen  a  Prince,  to  live  on  others  lands, 

A  Koyall  one,  by  almes  from  Subjects  hands, 

I've  feen  bafe  men,  advanc'd  to  great  degree, 

And  worthy  ones,  put  to  extremity  : 

But  not  their  Princes  love,  nor  ftate  fo  high  • 

Could  once  reverfe,  their  Ihamefull  deftiny. 

I've  feen  one  ftab'd,  another  loofe  his  head ; 

And  others  fly  their  Country,  through  their  dread. 

I've  feen,  and  fo  have  ye,  for  'tis  but  late, 

The  defolation,  of  a  goodly  State. 

Plotted  and  adted,  fo  that  none  can  tell, 

Who  gave  the  counfel,  but  the  Prince  of  hell. 

I've  feen  a  land  unmoulded  with  great  paine. 

But  yet  may  live,  to  fee't  made  up  again  : 

I've  feen  it  maken,  rent,  and  foak'd  in  blood, 

But  out  of  troubles,  ye  may  fee  much  good. 


166  Anne  Bradft  reefs  Works. 

Thefe  are  no  old-wives  tales,  but  this  is  truth, 

We  old  men  love  to  tell  what's  done  in  youth. 

But  I  return  from  whence  I  ftept  awry, 

My  memory  is  bad,**  my  brain  is  dry: 

Mine  Almond  tree,  grey  hairs,  doe  flourim  now, 

And  back  once  ftraight,  apace  begins  to  bow: 

My  grinders  now  are  few,  my  fight  doth  fail, 

My  skin  is  wrinkled,  and  my  cheeks  are  pale, 

No  more  rejoyce  at  muficks  pleaiing  noife, 

But  waking  glad  to  hear  the  cocks  fhrill  voice:  n 

I  cannot  fcent  favours  of  pleafant  meat, 

Nor  fapors  find  in  what  I  drink  or  eat: 

My  arms  and  hands  once  ftrong  have  loft  their  might 

I  cannot  labour,  much  lefs  can  I  fight/ 

My  comely  legs  as  nimble  as  the  Roe  *  [58] 

Now  ftiff  and  numb,  can  hardly  creep  or  goe, 

My  heart  fometimes  as  fierce  as  Lion  bold, 

Now  trembling  is,  all^  fearful  fad  and  cold; 

My  golden  Bowl  and  filver  Cord  e're  long 

Shall  both  be  broke,  by  racking  death  fo  ftrong: 

Then  fhall  I  go  whence  I  mall  come  no  more, 

Sons,  Nephews,  leave  my  farewel q  to  deplore. 

In  pleafures  and  in  labours  I  have  found 

That  Earth  can  give  no  confolation  found ; 

• 

}"  Ihort. 

"  But  do  awake,  at  the  cocks  clanging  vojce. 

"  nor  I  cannot  fight.  P  trembling,  and. 

*  i  Chron.  xii.  8;   Cant.  ii.  9  and  17. 

<]  death  for. 


The  Four  Ages  of  Man.  167 

To  great  to  rich,  to  poor,  to  young,  to  old, 
To  mean,  to  noble,  fearful  or  to  bold: 
From  King  to  begger,  all  degrees  mall  find 
But  vanity  vexation  of  the  mind.'55' 
Yea,  knowing  much,  the  pleafants  life  of  all, 
Hath  yet  among  thofe  fweets  r  fome  bitter  gall ; 
Though  reading  others  works  doth  much  refrem, 
Yet  ftudying  much  brings  wearinefs  to  th'  flefh : 
My  ftudies,  labours,  readings  all  are  done, 
And  my  laft  period  now  ev'n  almoft  run. 
Corruption  my  Father  I  do  call, 
Mother  and  Sifters  both,  the  worms  that  crawle 
In  my  dark  houfe,  fuch  kindred  I  have  flore, 
Where  I  mall  reft  till  heavens  fhall  be  no  more, 
And  when  this  flefh  fhall  rot  and  be  confum'd, 
This  body  by  this  Soul  fhall  be  aflum'd: 
And  I  fhall  fee  with  thefe  fame  very  eyes, 
My  ftrong  Redeemer  coming  in  the  Skies. 
Triumph  I  fhall  o're  lin,  o're  death,  o're  Hell, 
And  in  that  hope  I  bid  you  all  farewel. 

*  Eccl.  xii.  1-8. 
r  that  fweet. 


The  Jour  Seafons  of        [59] 
the   Tear. 


Spring. 

\  Nother  four  I've  left'  yet  to  bring  on, 
•*  *•     Of  four  times  four  the  laft  Quaternion, 
The  Winter,  Summer,  Autumn  &  the  Spring, 
In  feafon  all  thefe  Seafons  I  mall  bring: 
Sweet  Spring  like  man  in  his  Minority, 
At  prefent  claim'd,  and  had  priority. 
With  fmiling  face  and  garments  fomewhat  green, 
She  trim'd  her  locks,  which  late  had  froiled  been, 
Nor  hot  nor  cold,  me  fpake,  but  with  a  breath, 

Fit  to  revive,  the  nummed  earth  from  death/ 

\ 

*  yet  for. 

*  Instead  of  this  and  the  three  preceding  lines  the  first  edition  has,  — 

With  fmiling  Sun-fhine  face,  and  garments  green, 
She  gently  thus  began,  like  fonie  fair  Queen. 


The  Four  Seafons.  169 

Three  months  (quoth  fhe)*  are  'lotted  to  my  mare 

March,  April,  May  of  all  the  reft  moft  fair. 

Tenth  of  the  firft,  Sol  into  Aries  enters. 

And  bids  defiance  to  all  tedious  winters, 

CrofTeth  the  Line,  and  equals  night  and  day, 

(Stil  adds  to  th'  laft  til  after  pleafant  May) 

And  now  makes  glad  the  darkned*'  northern  wights 

Who  for  fome  months  have  feen  but  ftarry  lights. 

Now  goes  the  Plow-man  to  his  merry  toyle, 

He  might7"  unloofe  his  winter  locked  foyl: 

The  Seeds-man  too,  doth  lavifh  out  his  grain, 

In  hope  the  more  he  cafts,  the  more  to  gain : 

The  Gardner  now  fuperfluous  branches  lops,          [60] 

And  poles  erects  for  his  young  *  clambring  hops. 

Now  digs  then  fowes  his  herbs,  his  flowers  &  roots 

And  carefully  manures  his  trees  of  fruits. 

The  Pleiades  their  influence  now  give, 

And  all  that  feem'd  as  dead  afrefh  doth  live. 

The  croaking  frogs,  whom  nipping  winter  kil'd 

Like  birds  now  chirp,  and  hop  about  the  field, 

The  Nightingale,  the  black-bird  and  the  Thrum 

Now  tune  their  layes,  on  fprayes  of  every  bum. 

The  wanton  frisking  Kid,  and  foft-fleec'd  Lambs 

Do^  jump  and  play  before  their  feeding  Dams, 

The  tender  tops  of  budding  grafs  they  crop, 

They  joy  in  what  they  have,  but  more  in  hope: 

«  there  are.  ""  thofe  blinded.  «'  For  to. 

-*  green.  y  Now. 


170  Anne  Bradftreefs  Works. 

For  though  the  froft  hath  loft  his  binding  power, 

Yet  many  a  fleece  of  fnow  and  ftormy  fhower 

Doth  darken  Sot's  bright  eye,0  makes  us  remember 

The  pinching  North-weft  wind  of  cold"  December. 

My  fecond  moneth  is  April,  green  and  fair, 

Of  longer  dayes,  and  a  more  temperate  Air: 

The  Sun  in  Taurus  keeps  his  relidence/ 

And  with  his  warmer  beams  glanceth  from  thence 

This  is  the  month  whofe  fruitful  fhowrs  produces 

All  fet  and  fownc  for  all  delights  and  ufes: 

The  Pear,  the  Plum,  and  Apple-tree  now  flourifh 

The  grafs  grows  long  the  hungry  beaft d  to  nourifh. 

The  Primrofe  pale,  and  azure  violet 

Among  the  virduous  grafs  hath  nature  fet, 

That  when  the  Sun  on's  Love  (the  earth)  doth  mine 

Thefe  might  as  lace  fet  out  her  garment  fine. 

The  fearfull  bird  his  little  houfe  now  builds  [61] 

In  trees  and  walls,  in  Cities  and  in  fields. 

The  outlide  ftrong,  the  infide  warm  and  neat; 

A  natural  Artificer  compleat. 

*  face.  «  Nor-weft  cold,  of  fierce. 

*  The  Sun  now  keeps  his  porting  refidence 

In  Taurus  Signe,  yet  hafteth  ftraight  from  thence ; 
For  though  in's  running  progrefle  he  doth  take 
Twelve  houfes  of  the  oblique  Zodiack 
Yet  never  minute  ftil  was  known  to  Hand, 
But  only  once  at  Jo/hucCs  ftrange  command ; 
c  All  Plants,  and  Flowers.  d  the  tender  Lambs. 


The  Four  Seafons.  1 7 1 

The  clocking  hen  her  chirping  chickins*  leads 
With  wings  &  beak  defends  them  from  the  gleads 
My  next  and  laft  is  fruitfull  pleafant  May, 
Wherein  the  earth  is  clad  in  rich  aray, 
The  Sun  now  enters  loving  Gemini, 
And  heats  us  with  the  glances  of  his  eye, 
Our  thicker7  rayment  makes  us  lay  afide 
Left  by  his  fervor  we  be  torrifi'd/ 
All  flowers  the  Sun  now  with  his  beams  difclofes/* 
Except  the  double  pinks  and  matchlefs  Rofes. 
Now  fwarms.the  bufy,  witty/  honey-Bee, 
VVhofe  praife  deferves  a  page  from  more  then  me 
The  cleanly  Hufwifes  Dary's  now  in  th'  prime, 
Her  fhelves  and  firkins  fill'd  for  winter  time. 
The  meads  with  Cowflips,  Honey-fuckles  dight, 
One  hangs  his  head,  the  other  ftands  upright: 
But  both  rejoyce  at  th'  heavens  clear  fmiling  face, 
More  at  her  fhowers,  which  water  them  a  fpace. 
For  fruits  my  Seafon  yields  the  early  Cherry, 
The  hafty  Peas,  and  wholfome  cooP  Strawberry. 
More  folid  fruits  require  a  longer  time, 
Each  Seafon  hath  his  fruit,  fo  hath  each  Clime: 
Each  man  his  own  peculiar  excellence, 
But  none  in  all  that  hath  preheminence. 

e  chipping  brood  now. 

/  Winter.  g  terrifi'd. 

*  All  flowers  before  the  fun-beames  now  dileloies, 

*  buzzing.  j  red. 


172  Anne  Bradft  reefs  Works. 

Sweet  fragrant  Spring,  with  thy  fhort  pittance  fly* 
Let  fome  defcribe  thee  better  then  can  I. 
Yet  above  all  this  priviledg  is  thine,  [62  | 

Thy  dayes  ftill  lengthen  without  leaft  decline  : 


Summer. 

T  T  7HEN  Spring  had  done,  the  Summer  did7  begin, 

With  melted  tauny  face,  and  garments  thin, 
Refembling  Fire,  Choler,  and  Middle  age, 
As  Spring  did  Air,  Blood,  Youth  in's  equipage. 
Wiping  the  fweat  from  of  her  face™  that  ran, 
With  hair  all  wet  (he  puffing  thus  began; 
Bright  June,  July  and  Auguft  hot  are  mine, 
In'th  firft  Sol  doth  in  crabbed  Cancer  mine. 
His  progrefs  to  the  North  now's  fully  done, 
Then  retrograde  muft  be"  my  burning  Sun, 
Who  to  his  fouthward  Tropick  ftill  is  bent, 
Yet  doth  his  parching  heat  but  more  augment 
Though  he  decline,  becaufe  his  flames  fo  fair, 
Have  throughly  dry'd  the  earth,  and  heat  the  air." 

k  Instead  of  this  and  the  following  line,  the  first  edition  has,  — 
Some  fubject,  mallow  braines,  much  matter  yeelds, 
Sometime  a  theame  that'*  large,  proves  barren  fields. 
Melodious  Spring,  with  thy  mort  pittance  rlye, 
In  this  harlh  ftrain,  I  find  no  melody, 

1  mutt.  m  brow.  «  now  is. 

<>  The  reafon  why,  becaufe  his  flames  fo  faire. 
Hath  formerly  much  heat,  the  earth  and  a  ire. 


The  Four  Seafons.  173 

Like  as  an  Oven  that  long  time  hath  been  heat. 
Whole  vehemency  at  length  doth  grow  fo  great, 
That  if  you  do  withdraw^  her  burning  ftore, 
Tis?  for  a  time  as  fervent  as  before. 
Now  go  thofe  frolick  Swains,  the  Shepherd  Lads 
To  warn  the""  thick  cloth'd  flocks  with  pipes  full  glad 
In  the  cool  ftreams  they  labour  with  delight 
Rubbing  their  dirty  coats  till  they  look  white  : 
Whofe  fleece  when  finely*  fpun  and  deeply  dy'd 
With  Robes  thereof  Kings  have  been  dignifi'd. 
Bleft  ruflick  Swains,  your  pleafant  quiet  life,         [63] 
Hath  envy  bred  in  Kings  that  were  at  ftrife/ 
Carelefs  of  worldly  wealth  you  fing"  and  pipe, 
Whilft  they'r  imbroyPd  in  wars  &  troubles  rife:u 
Which  made  great  Bajazet  cry  out  in's  woes, 
Oh  happy  fhepherd  which  hath  not  to  lofe. 
Orthobulus,  nor  yet  Sebaftia  great, 
But  whift'leth  to  thy  flock  in  cold  and  heat* 

/  remove.  9  She's.  *•  their.  s  purely. 

t  Instead  of  this  and  the  preceding  line,  the  first  edition  has,  — 
'Mongft  all  je  fhepheards  never  but  one  man, 
Was  like  that  noble,  brave  Archadian. 
Yet  hath  your  life,  made  kings  the  fame  envy, 
Though  you  repofe  on  graffe  under  the  skye. 
«  lit.  v  ripe. 

*  "  Moft  of  the  Latine  hiftories  report,  that  when  Tamerlane  had  taken 
SEBASTIA,  hee  put  all  the  men  to  the  fword,  and  bringing  the  women  and 
children  into  the  fields  without  the  citie,  there  ouer-ran  them  with  his 
horfemen,  excepting  fome  few  which  were  referued  for  prifoners.  As  alfo 
that  Baiazct  there  loft  his  eldeft  fonne  Erthogrul  (of  fome  called  Ortho- 
bules)  whole  death  with  the  lolle  of  the  citie  fo  much  grieued  him  (as  is 


174  Anne  Bradft  reefs  Works. 

Viewing  the  Sun  by  day,  the  Moon  by  night 

EndimwnS)  Dianaes  dear  delight, 

Upon  the  grafs  refting  your  healthy  limbs, 

By  purling  Brooks  looking  how  fifties  fwims. 

If  pride  within  your  lowly  Cells  ere  haunt, 

Of  him  that  was  Shepherd  then  King  go  vaunt.* 

This  moneth  the  Rofes  are  diftil'd  in  glafles, 

VVhofe  fragrant  fmel™  all  made  perfumes  furpalTes 

The  Cherry,  Goofeberry  are  now  in  th'  prime, 

And  for  all  forts  of  Peafe,  this  is  the  time. 

July  my  next,  the  hott'ft  in  all  the  year, 

The  fun  through  Leo  now  takes  *  his  Career, 

VVhofe  flaming  breath  doth  melt  us  from  afar, 

Increafed  by  the  ftar  Canicular. 

This  Month  from  Julius  Ccefar  took  its  name, 

By  Romans  celebrated  to  his  fame. 

Now  go  the  Mowers  to  their  flaming  toyle, 

The  Meadowes  of  their  riches^  to  difpoyle, 

reported)  that  marching  with  his  great  armie  againft  Tamerlane,  and  by 
the  way  hearing  a  country  Ihepheard  merrily  repoling  himfelf  with  his 
homely  pipe,  as  he  fat  vpon  the  fide  of  a  mountaine  feeding  his  poore 
flock;  ftanding  ftill  a  great  while  liftening  vnto  him,  to  the  great  admira 
tion  of  many,  at  laft  fetching  a  deepe  figh,  brake  forth  in  thefe  words :  O 
happie  fhepheard,  which  haddeft  neither  Orthobules  nor  SEBASTIA  to  loofe : 
bewraying  therein  his  owne  difcontentment,  and  jret  withal  mewing,  That 
worldly  blifle  confifteth  not  fo  much  in  poflefling  of  much,  fubject  vnto 
danger,  as  joying  a  little  contentment  deuoid  of  feare."  —  THE  GENERALL 
HISTORIE  OF  THE  TURKES,  BY  RICHARD  KNOLLES.  Second  edition. 
1610.  p.  216.  Bajazet  I.  became  Sultan  of  the  Turks  in  1389,  and  died 
in  1403. 

*  This  and  the  three  preceding  lines  are  not  in  the  first  edition. 

w  fcent.  x  hath.  y  burden. 


The  Four  Seafons.  175 

With  weary  ftrokes,  they  take  all  in  their  way, 
Bearing  the  burning  heat  of  the  long  day. 
The  forks  and  Rakes  do  follow  them  amain. 
Which  makes  the  aged  fields  look  young  again. 
The  groaning  Carts  do  bear  away  this  prize.          [64  | 
To  Stacks  and  Barns  where  it  for  Fodder  lyes. 
My  next  and  laft  is  Auguft  fiery  hot 
(For  much,  the  South-ward  Sun  abateth  not) 
This  Moneth  he  keeps  with  Virgo  for  a  fpace, 
The  dryed  Earth  is  parched  with  his  face. 
Auguft  of  great  Auguftus  took  its  name, 
Romes  fecond  Emperour  of  lafting*  fame, 
With  fickles  now  the  bending*  Reapers  goe 
The  ruffling  trefs  of  terra  down  to  mowe; 
And  bundles  up  in  fheaves,  the  weighty  wheat, 
Which  after  Manchet  makes3  for  Kings  to  eat: 
The  Barly,  Rye  and  Peafe'  mould  firft  had  place, 
Although  their  bread  have  not  fo  white  a  face. 
The  Carter  leads  all  home  with  whiftling  voyce, 
He  plow'd  with  pain,  but  reaping  doth  rejoyce ; 
His  fweat,  his  toyle,  his  careful  wakeful  nights, 
His  fruitful  Crop  abundantly  requites. 
Now's  ripe  the  Pear,  Pear-plumb,  and  Apricock, 
The  prince  of  plumbs,  whofe  ftone's  as  hard  as  Rock 
The  Summer  feems  but  fhort,  the  Autumn  hafts d 
To  make  his  fruits,  of  moft  delicious  tafts 

z  peaceful.  «  painful. 

*  made.  c  The  Barley,  and  the  Rye. 

d  The  Summer's  fhort,  the  beauteous  Autumne  haftes. 


176  Anne  Bradftreefs  Works. 

Like  good  old  Age,  whofe  younger  juicy  Roots 
Hath  ftill  afcended,  to  bear'  goodly  fruits. 
Until  his  head  be  gray,  and  ftrength  be  gone. 
Yet  then  appears  the  worthy  deeds  he'th  done : 
To  feed  his  boughs  exhaufhed  hath  his  lap, 
Then  drops  his  fruits  into  the  eaters  lap. 


Autumn.  [65] 

Autumn  moneths  September  is  the  prime, 
Now  day  and  night  are  equal  in  each  Clime, 
The  twelfth7  of  this  Sol  rifeth  in  the  Line, 
And  doth  in  poizing  Libra  this  month  mine. 
The  vintage  now  is  ripe,  the  grapes  are  preft, 
Whofe  lively  liquor  oft  is  curf'd  and  blefb: 
For  nought  fo  good,  but  it  may  be  abufed, 
But  its  a  precious  juice  when  well  its  ufed. 
The  raifins  now  in  clufters  dryed  be, 
The  Orange,  Lemon  dangle  on  the  tree: 
The  Pomegranate,  the  Fig  are  ripe  alfo, 
And  Apples  now  their  yellow  fides  do  mow. 
Of  Almonds,^  Quinces,  Wardens,  and  of  Peach, 
The  feafon's  now  at  hand  of  all  and  each. 

0   _ 

Sure  at  this  time,  time  firft  of  all  began, 
And  in  this  moneth  was  made  apofbate  Man: 

'  up  in.  /  tenth,  f  Of  Medlar. 


The  Four  Seafons.  177 

For  then  in  Eden  was  not  only  feen, 

Boughs  full  of  leaves,  or  fruits  unripe  or*  green, 

Or  withered  flocks,  which  were'  all  dry  and  dead, 

But  trees  with  goodly  fruits  replenifhed; 

Which  fhews  nor  Summer,  Winter  nor  the  Spring 

Our  Grand-Sirey  was  of  Paradice  made  King: 

Nor  could  that  temp'rate  Clime  fuch  difference  make, 

If  fcited  as  the  mofl  Judicious  take/ 

October  is  my  next,  we  hear  in  this 

The  Northern  winter-blafls  begin  to  hifs. 

In  Scorpio  refideth  now  the  Sun,  [66] 

And  his  declining  heat  is  almofl  done. 

The  fruitlefs /  Trees  all  withered  now  do  fland, 

Whofe  faplefs  yellow  leavs,  by  winds  are  fan'd, 

Which  notes  when  youth  and  ftrength  have  pafl  their 

prime 

Decrepit  age  mufl  alfo  have  its  time. 
The  Sap  doth  flily  creep  towards  the  Earth 
There  refls,  until  the  Sun  give  it  a  birth. 
So  doth  old  Age  ftill  tend  unto  his  grave, 
Where  alfo  he  his  winter  time  mufl  have; 
But  when  the  Sun  of  righteoufnefs  draws  nigh, 
His  dead  old  flock,  fhall  mount  again  on  high. 
November  is  my  lafl,  for  Time  doth  hafle, 
We  now  of  winters  fharpnefs  'gins  to  tafl. 

h  but  raw,  and.  »  "  which  were"  is  not  in  the  first  edition. 

J  Great  Adam.  k  These  two  lines  are  not  in  the  first  edition. 

1  fruitful. 


178  Anne  Bradftreet^s  Works. 

This  moneth  the  Sun's  in  Sagitarius, 

So  farre  remote,  his  glances  warm  not  us. 

Altnoft  at  fhorteft  is  the  fhorten'd  day, 

The  Northern  pole  beholdeth  not  one  ray. 

Now  Greenland,  Groanland^*  Finland \  Lapland,  fee 

No  Sun,  to  lighten  their  obfcurity: 

Poor  wretches  that  in  total  darknefs  lye, 

With  minds  more  dark  then  is  the  darkened  Sky."' 

Beaf,  Brawn,  and  Pork  are  now  in  great  requeft, 

And  folid  meats  our  ilomacks  can  digeft. 

This  time  warm  cloaths,  full  diet,  and  good  fires, 

Our  pinched  flelh,  and  hungry  mawes*  requires: 

Old,  cold,  dry  Age  and  Earth  Autumn  refembles, 

And  Melancholy  which  moft  of  all  diflembles. 

I  muft  be  fhort,  and  fhorts,  the  fhort'ned  day, 

What  winter  hath  to  tell,  now  let  him  fay. 


Winter.  [67] 

,  moift,  young  flegmy  winter  now  doth  lye 
In  fwadling  Clouts,  like  new  born  Infancy 
Bound  up  with  frofts,  and  furr'd  with  hail  &  fnows, 
And  like  an  Infant,  ftill  it"  taller  grows; 

*  Groen-land  [or  Gronland,  Dan.'}  in  the  first  edition. 

**  After  this  the  first  edition  has,  — 

This  month  is  timber  for  all  ufes  fell'd, 

When  cold,  the  fap  to  th'  roots  hath  low'fl  repell'd ; 

»  empty  panch.  o  he. 


The  Four  Seafons.  179 

December  is  my  firft,  and  now  the  Sun 

To  th'  Southward  Tropick,  his  fwift  race  doth'*  run: 

This  moneth  he's  hous'd  in  horned  Capricorn, 

From  thence  he  'gins  to  length  the  fhortned  morn, 

Through  Chriftendome  with  great  Feafbivity, 

Now's  held,  (but  gheft)  for  bleft*  Nativity. 

Cold  frozen  January  next  comes  in, 

Chilling  the  blood  and  fhrinking  up  the  skin; 

In  Aquarius  now  keeps  the  long  wifhf  Sun, 

And  Northward  his  unwearied  Courfe*  doth  run: 

The  day  much  longer  then  it  was  before, 

The  cold  not  leflened,  but  augmented  more. 

Now  Toes  and  Ears,  and  Fingers  often  freeze, 

And  Travellers  their  nofes  fometimes  leefe. 

Moift  fnowie  February  is  my  laft, 

I  care  not  how  the  winter  time  doth  hafte. 

In  Pifces  now  the  golden  Sun  doth  mine, 

And  Northward  flill  approaches  to  the  Line, 

The  Rivers  'gin  to  ope,  the  fnows  to  melt, 

And  fome  warm  glances  from  his  face'  are  felt; 

Which  is  increafed  by  the  lengthen'd  day, 

Until  by's  heat,  he  drive  all  cold  away, 

And  thus  the  year  in  Circle  runneth  round:  [68] 

Where  firft  it  did  begin,  in  th'  end  its  found." 

/  hath.  g  a  Gueft,  (but  bleft).  r  the  loved. 

J  race.  *  the  Sun. 

u  These  two  lines  are  not  in  the  first  edition. 


180  Anne  Bradft  reefs  Works. 

My  Subjects  bare,  my  Brain  is  bad. 
Or  better  Lines  you  Jhould  have  had : 
The  firft  fell  in  fo  naf  rally, 
I  knew  not  how  to  pafs  it  by\v 
The  laft,  though  bad  I  could  not  mend, 
Accept  therefore  of  -what  is  petfd, 
And  all  the  faults  that  you  Jhall  fpy 
Shall  at  your  feet  for  pardon  cry.* 

v  I  could  not  tell  how  to  paffe  't  by. 
*  This  is  signed  in  the  first  edition, 

Your  dutifull  Daughter. 

A.  B. 


The  four  Monarchyes,      [69] 
the  AJJyrian  being  the  firft, 

beginning  under  Nimrod,  131.  Years 
after  the  Flood, 


T  \  7Hen  time  was  young,  &  World  in  Infancy, 

Man  did  not  proudly  ™  ftrive  for  Soveraignty 
But  each  one  thought  his  petty  Rule  was  high, 
If  of  his  houfe  he  held  the  Monarchy. 
This  was  the  golden  Age,  but  after  came 
The  boifterous  fon  of  Chus*  Grand-Child  to  Ham, 
That  mighty  Hunter,  who  in  his  ftrong  toyles 
Both  Beafts  and  Men  fubje6ted  to  his  fpoyles : 
The  ftrong  foundation  of  proud  Babel  laid, 
Erech,  Accad,  and  Culneh  alfo  made. 
Thefe  were  his  firft,  all  flood  in  Shinar  land, 
From  thence  he  went  Affyria  to  command, 
And  mighty  Niniveh,  he  there  begun, 
Not  finifhed  till  he  his  race  had  run. 


"  Proudly"  is  not  in  the  first  edition. 


x  Sons  of  Cufli. 


1 82  Anne  Bradft  reefs  Works. 

Refen,  Caleh,  and  Rehoboth  likewife 

By  him  to  Cities  eminent  did  rife. 

Of  Saturn,  he  was  the  Original,  [70] 

Whom  the  fucceeding  times  a  God  did  call, 

When  thus  with  rule,  he  had  been  dignifi'd, 

One  hundred  fourteen  years  he  after  dy'd. 


Belus. 

REAT  Nimrod  dead,  Belus  the  next  his  Son 

Confirms  the  rule,  his  Father  had  begun ; 
Whofe  a£ts  and  power  is  not  for  certainty 
Left  to  the  world,  by  any  Hiftory. 
But  yet  this  blot  for  ever  on  him  lies, 
He  taught  the  people  firft  to  Idolize : 
Titles  Divine  he  to  himfelf  did  take, 
Alive  and  dead,  a  God  they  did  him  make. 
This  is  that  Bel  the  Chaldees  worfhiped, 
Whofe  Priefts  in  Stories  oft  are  mentioned; 
This  is  that  Baal  to  whom  the  Ifraelites 
So  oft  profanely  offered  facred  Rites : 
This  is  Beelzebub  God  of  Ekronites, 
Likewife  Baalpeor  of  the  Mohabites, 
His  reign  was  fhort,  for  as  I  calculate, 
At  twenty  five  ended  his  Regal  date. 


Th e  Four  Mon a rch ies.  1 8 3 

Ninus. 

T  TIS  Father  dead,  Ninus  begins  his  reign, 

-*•  -*•     Transfers  his  feat  to  the  Affyrian  plain ; 

And  mighty  Nineveh  more  mighty  made, 

Whofe  Foundation  was  by  his  Grand-fire  laid: 

Four  hundred  forty  Furlongs  wall'd  about, 

On  which  flood  fifteen  hundred  Towers  flout. 

The  walls  one  hundred  fixty  foot  upright,  [71] 

So  broad  three  Chariots  run  abrefl  there  might. 

Upon  the  pleafant  banks  of  Tygris  floud 

This  flately  Seat  of  warlike  Ninus  flood: 

This  Ninus  for  a  God  his  Father  canonized, 

To  whom  the  fottifh  people  facrificed. 

This  Tyrant  did  his  Neighbours  all  opprefs, 

Where  e're  he  warr'd  he  had  too  good  fuccefs. 

Barzanes  the  great  Armenian  King 

By  force  and  fraud  did  under  Tribute  bring.^ 

The  Median  Country  he  did  alfo  gain, 

Thermits2  their  King  he  caufed  to  be  flain; 

An  Army  of  three  millions  he  led  out 

Againfl  the  Battrians  (but  that  I  doubt) 

Zoreafter  their  King  he  likewife  flew, 

And  all  the  greater  Afea  did  fubdue. 

Semiramis  from  Menon  did  he  take 

Then  drown'd  himfelf,  did  Menon  for  her  fake. 

Fifty  two  years  he  reign'd,  (as  we  are  told) 

The  world  then  was  two  thoufand  nineteen  old. 

v  By  force,  his  tributary,  he  did  bring.  *  Pharmus. 


Anne  Bradjl  reefs  Works. 


Semi  ram  is. 

'THHIS  great  oppreffing  Ninus,  dead  and  gone, 
His  wife  Semiramis  ufurp'd  the  Throne; 
She  like  a  brave   Virago  played  the  Rex 
And  was  both  lhame  and  glory  of  her  Sex: 
Her  birth  place  was  Philiflines  Afcolanf 

Her  mother  Dorcetab  a  Curtizan. 

.» " .  •. 

Others  report  fhe  was  a  veftal  Nun, 

Adjudged  to  be  drown'd  for  th'  crime c  fhe'd  done. 

Tranfform'd  into  a  Fifh  by   Venus  will,  [72] 

Her  beauteous  face,  (they  feign)  reteining  Hill. 

Sure  from  this  Fiction  Dagon  firft  began, 

Changing  the  d  womans  face  into  a  man : 

But  all  agree  that  from  no  lawfull  bed, 

This  great  renowned  Emprefs  iffued: 

For  which  fhe  was  obfcurely  nourifhed, 

Whence  rofe  that  Fable,  fhe  by  birds  was  fed. 

This  gallant  Dame  unto  the  Ba&rian  warre, 

Accompanying  her  husband  Menon  farr, 

Taking  a  town,  fuch  valour  fhe  did  mow, 

That  Ninus  amorous  of  her  foon  did  grow. 

And  thought  her  fit  to  make  a  Monarchs  wife, 

Which  was  the  caufe  poor  Menon  loft  his  life  : 

She  flourifhing  with  Ninus  long  did  reign, 

Till  her  Ambition  caus'd  him  to  be  flain. 

«  Philtjlrius  Afcalon.  *  Docreta. 

f  for  what.  d  his. 


The  Four  Monarchies.  i8c; 

That  having  no  Compeer,  fhe  might  rule  all, 

Or  elfe  fhe  fought  revenge  for  Menotfs  fall. 

Some  think  the  Greeks  this  ilander  on  her  caft, 

As  on  her  life  Licentious,  and  unchaft, 

That  undeferv'd,  they  blur'd  her  name  and  fame' 

By7 their  afperfions,  caft  upon  the  fame: 

But  were  her  virtues  more  or  lefs,  or  none, 

She  for  her  potency  muft  go  alone. 

Her  wealth  fhe  fhew'd  in  building  Babylon, 

Admir'd  of  all,  but  equalized  of  none; 

The  Walls  fo  ftrong,  and  curioufly  was^  wrought, 

That  after  Ages,  Skill  by  them  was^  taught: 

With  Towers  and  Bulwarks  made  of  coftly  ftone, 

Quadrangle  was  the  form  it  flood  upon. 

Each  Square  was  fifteen  thoufand  paces  long,        [73] 

An  hundred  gates  it  had  of  mettal  ftrong: 

Three  hundred  fixty  foot  the  walls  in  height, 

Almoft  incredible,  they  were  in  breadth 

Some*  writers  fay,  fix  Chariots  might  affront 

With  great  facility,  march  fafe  upon't: 

About  the  Wall  a  ditch  fo  deep  and  wide, 

That  like  a  River  long  it  did  abide. 

Three  hundred  thoufand  men  here  day  by  day 

Beftow'd  their  labour,  and  receiv'd  their  pay. 

And  that  which  did  all  coft  and  Art  excell, 

The  wondrous  Temple  was,  fhe  rear'd  to  Bell : 

f  And  that  her  worth,  deferved  no  fuch  blame. 
/  As.  g  were.  h  Mo  ft. 

24 


1 86  Anne  Bradft  reefs  Works. 

Which  in  the  midft  of  this  brave  Town  was  plac'd, 

Continuing  till  Xerxes  it  defac'd: 

Whofe  ftately  top  above '  the  Clouds  did  rife, 

From  whence  Aftrologers  oft  view'd  the  Skies. 

This  to  defcribe  in  each  particular, 

A  ftru6lure  rare  I  fhould  but  rudely  marre. 

Her  Gardens,  Bridges,  Arches,  mounts  and  fpires 

All  eyes  that  faw,  or  Ears  that  hear  admires, 

In  Shinar  plain  on  the  Euphratian  flood 

This  wonder  of  the  world,  this  Babel  flood. 

An  expedition  to  the  Eaft  me  made 

Staurobates,  his  Country  to  invade:7' 

Her  Army  of  four  millions  did  confift, 

Each  may  believe  it  as  his  fancy  lift. 

Her  Camels,  Chariots,  Gallyes  in  fuch  number, 

As  puzzles  beft  Hiftorians  to  remember; 

But  this  is  wonderful,^  of  all  thofe  men, 

They  fay,  but  twenty  e're  came  back  agen. 

The  River  Judas1  fwept  them  half  away,  [74] 

The  reft  Staurobates  in  fight  did  flay; 

This  was  laft  progrefs  of  this  mighty  Queen, 

Who  in  her  Country  never  more  was  feen. 

The  Poets  feign'd  her  turn'd  into  a  Dove, 

Leaving  the  world  to  Venus  foar'd  above : 

Which  made  the  Affyrians  many  a  day, 

A  Dove  within  their  Enfigns  to  difplay: 

Forty  two  years  fhe  reign'd,  and  then  fhe  di'd 

But  by  what  means  we  are  not  certifi'd. 

*  beyond.  Great  King  Staurobates,  for  to  invade. 

k  marvelous.  /  Indus. 


Th  e  Fo  u  r  Mo  n  a  rch  ies.  i  <S  7 


Ninias  or  Zamies. 

T  TIS  Mother  dead,  Ninias  obtains  his  right, 

*•  •*     A  Prince  wedded  to  eafe  and  to  delight, 

Or  elfe  was  his  obedience  very  great, 

To  fit  thus  long  (obfcure)  rob'd '  of  his  Seat. 

Some  write  his  Mother  put  his  habit  on, 

Which  made  the  people  think  they  ferv'd  her  Son: 

But  much  it  is,  in  more  then  forty  years 

This  fraud  in  war  nor  peace  at  all  appears: 

More  like  it  is  his  luft'*  with  pleafures  fed, 

He  fought  no  rule  till  me  was  gone  and  dead. 

What  then  he  did  of  worth  can  no  man  tell, 

But  is  fuppofd  to  be  that  Amraphel 

Who  warr'd  with  Sodoms  and  Gomorrahs  King, 

'Gainft  whom  his  trained  bands  Abram  did  bring, 

But  this  is  farre  unlike,  he  being  Son* 

Unto  a  Father,  that  all  Countryes  won 

I  wrong'd.  ft  being. 

«  Instead  of  this  and  the  nine  lines  following,  the  first  edition  has, 
Some  may  object,  his  Parents  ruling  all, 
How  he  thus  fuddenlj  mould  be  thus  fmall  ? 
This  anfwer  may  fumce,  whom  it  wil  pleale, 
He  thus  voluptuous,  and  given  to  eafe ; 
Each  wronged  Prince,  or  childe  that  did  remain, 
Would  now  advantage  take,  their  own  to  gain  ; 
So  Province,  after  Province,  rent  away, 
Until  that  Potent  Empire  did  decay. 
Again,  the  Country  was  left  bare  (there  is  no  doubt) 
Of  men,  and  wealth,  his  mother  carried  out : 
Which  to  her  neighbors,  when  it  was  made  known. 
Did  then  incite,  them  to  regain  their  own. 


1 88  Anne  Bradftreet^s  Works. 

So  fuddenly  fhould  loofe  fo  great  a  ftate, 

With  petty  Kings  to  joyne  Confederate. 

Nor  canthofe  Reafons  which  wife  Raileih*  finds,  [75] 

Well  fatisfie  the  moft  conliderate  minds : 

We  may  with  learned  VJJier*  better  fay, 

He  many  Ages  liv'd  after  that  day. 

And  that  Semiramis  then  flourifhed 

When  famous  Troy  was  fo  beleaguered : 

What  e're  he  was,  or"  did,  or  how  it  fell, 

We  may  fuggeft  our  thoughts  but  cannot  tell. 

For  Ninias  and  all  his  race  are  left 

In  deep  oblivion,  of  a6ls  bereft: 

And  many^  hundred  years  in  filence  fit, 

Save  a  few  Names  a  new  Berofus^  writ. 

And  fuch  as  care  not  what  befalls  their  fames, 

May  feign  as  many  a6ls  as  he  did  Names; 

It  may  fuffice/  if  all  be  true  that's  paft. 

T'  Sardanapalas  next,  we  will  make  hafte. 

*  See  Introduction. 

°  they.  /  eleav'n.  q  It  is  enough. 

f  See  Raleigh's  "  Hiftory  of  the  World,"  Bk.  I.  ch.  8,  sec.  5,  and  Bk.  II. 
ch.  i,  sec.  i.  "The  work  entitled  Berojt  Antiquitatum  libri  quinque  cum 
Commentariis  Joannis  Annii,  which  appeared  at  Rome  in  1498,  fol.,  and 
was  afterwards  often  reprinted  and  even  translated  into  Italian,  is  one  of 
the  many  fabrications  of  Giovanni  Nanni,  a  Dominican  monk  of  Viterbo, 
better  known  under  the  name  of  Annius  of  Viterbo,  who  died  in  1502."  — 
SMITH'S  "Dictionary  of  Greek  and,  Roman  Biography  and  Mythology." 

The  writings  of  the  real  Berosus  exist  only  in  a  fragmentary  condition, 
as  quoted  by  Josephus  and  other  authors.  See  page  [182.] 


The  Four  Monarchies.  189 


Sardanap  a  las 

ARDANAPALAS,  Son  to  Ocrazapes, 
Who  wallowed  in  all  voluptuoufnefs, 
That  palliardizing  fot  that  out  of  dores, 
Ne're  fhew'd  his  face  but  revell'd  with  his  whores 
Did  wear  their  garbs,  their  geftures  imitate, 
And  in  their  kind,  t  excel  did  emulate. 
His  bafenefs  knowing,  and  the  peoples  hate 
Kept  clofe,  fearing  his  well  deferved  fate ; r 
It  chanc'd*  Arbaces  brave  unwarily, 
His  Matter  like  a  Strumpet  clad  did*  fpye. 
His  manly  heart  difdained  (in  the  leafb) 
Longer  to  ferve  this  Metamorphos'd  Beaft; 
Unto  Belofus  then  he  brake  his  mind,  [76] 

Who  lick  of  his  difeafe,  he  foon  did  find 
Thefe  two,  rul'd  Media  and  Babilon 
Both  for  their  King,  held  their  Dominion; 
Belofus  promifed  Arbaces  aid, 
Arbaces  him  fully  to  be  repayd. 
The  laft:  The  Medes  and  Per/tans  do  invite 
Againfl  their  monftrous  King,  to  ufe  u  their  might. 
Belofus,  the  Chaldeans  doth  require 
And  the  Arabians,  to  further  his  delire: 

r  Kept  ever  dole,  fearing  fome  difmul  late. 

*  At  laft.  t  chanc'd  to.  «  bring. 


190  Anne  Bradftreet'*  s  Works. 

Thefe  all  agree,  and  forty  thoufand  make 

The  Rule,  from  their  unworthy  Prince  to  take:7' 

Thefe  Forces  muftered.  and  in  array 

Sardanapalus  leaves  his  Apifh  play. 

And  though  of  wars,  he  did  abhor  the  light; 

Fear  of  his  diadem  did  force  him  fight: 

And  either  by  his  valour,  or  his  fate, 

Arbaces  Courage  he  did  fow  abate; 

That  in  difpair,  he  left  the  Field  and  fled, 

But  with  frefh  hopes  Belofus  fuccoured, 

From  Baftria,  an  Army  was  at  hand 

Preft  for  this  Service  by  the  Kings  Command: 

Thefe  with  celerity  Arbaces  meet/ 

And  with  all  Terms  of  amity  them  greets 

With3  promifes  their  necks  now  to  unyoke, 

And  their  Taxations  fore  all  to  revoke; 

T'  infranchife  them,  to  grant  what  they  could  crave, 

No  priviledge  to  want,  Subjects  mould  have, 

Only  intreats  them,  to  joyn  their  Force  with  his, 

And  win  the  Crown,  which  was  the  way  to  blifs. 

Won  by  his  loving  looks,  more  by  his"  fpeech,      [77] 

T'  accept  of  what  they  could,  they  all3  befeech: 

Both  fides  their  hearts  their  hands,  &  bands  unite, 

And  fet  upon  their  Princes  Camp  that  night;  . 

7'  After  this  the  first  edition  has,  — 

By  prophefie,  Belofus  ftrength's  their  hands. 
Arbaces  muft  be  mafter  of  their  lands. 

™  fore.  x  meets.  y  he  greets. 

~  Makes.  «  more  loving.  I'  him. 


The  Four  Monarchies. 


191 


Who  revelling  in  Cups,  fung  care  away, 

For  victory  obtained  the  other  day: 

And  nowc  furprif'd,  by  this  unlookt  for  fright, 

Bereft  of  wits,  were  flaughtered  down  right. 

The  King  his  brother  leavs,  all  to  fuftain, 

And  fpeeds  himfelf  to  Niniveh  amain. 

But  Salmeneus  flain,  the  Army  falls ; 

The  King's  purfu'd  unto  the  City  Walls, 

But  he  once  in,  purfuers  came  to  late, 

The  Walls  and  Gates  their  hafH  did  terminate, 

There  with  all  ftore  he  was  fo  well  provided: 

That  what  Arbaces  did,  was  but  derided: 

Who  there  incamp'd,  two  years  for  little  end, 

But  in  the  third,  the  River  prov'd  his  friend, 

For  by  the  rain,  was  Tygris  fo  o'reflown, 

Part  of  that  ftately  Wall  was  overthrown/ 

Arbaces  marches  in  the  Town  he  takes, 

For  few  or  none  (it  feems)/refiftance  makes: 

And  now  they  faw  fulfil'd  a  Prophefy, 

That  when  the  River  prov'd  their  Enemy, 

Their  flrong  wal'd  Town  mould  fuddenly  be  taken 

By  this  accomplifhment,  their  hearts  were  lhaken. 

Sardanapalas  did  not  feek  to  fly, 

This  his  inevitable  deftiny; 

But  all  his  wealth  and  friends  together  gets, 

Then  on  himfelf,  and  them  a  fire  he  fets. 

c  But  all.  d  courfe. 

e  Which  through  much  rain,  then  fwelling  up  fo  high, 

Part  of  the  wal  it  level  cauf'd  to  lye. 
/  did  there. 


192  Anne  Bradft  reefs   Works. 

This  was  laft  Monarch  of  great  Ninus  race 

That  for  twelve  hundred  years  had  held  the  place ; 

Twenty  he  reign'd  fame  time,  as  Stories  tell, 

That  Amaziah  was  King  of  Ifrael. 

His  Father  was  then  King  (as  we  fuppofe) 

When  Jonah  for  their  fins  denounc'd  thofe  woes. 

He  did  repent,  the  threatning^  was  not  done, 

But  now  accomplifh'd  in  his  wicked  Son/ 

Arbaces  thus  of  all  becoming  Lord, 

Ingenioufly  with  all  did  keep  his  word. 

Of  Babylon  Belofus  he  made  King, 

With  overplus  of  all  the  wealth '  therein. 

To  BaElrians  he  gave  their  liberty, 

Of  Ninivites  he  caufed  none  to  dye. 

But  fuffer'd  with  their  goods,  to  go  elfe  where, 

Not  granting  them  now7  to  inhabit  there : 

For  he  demolifhed  that  City  great, 

And  unto  Media  transfer'd  his  Seat. 

Such  was  his  promife  which  he  firmly  made, 

To  Medes  and  Per/tans  when  he  crav'd  their  aid : 

A  while  he  and  his  race  afide  mull  Hand, 

Not  pertinent  to  what  we  have  in  hand; 

And  Belochus  in's  progeny  purfue, 

Who  did  this  Monarchy  begin  anew. 

g  therefore  it.  h  But  was  accomplifhed  now,  in  his  Son. 

*  treafures.  j  Yet  would  not  let  them. 

*  Thus  was  the  promife  bound,  lince  firft  he  crav'd. 
Of  Medes,  and  Per/tans,  their  affifting  aide: 


The  Four  Monarchies.  193 


Belofus  or  Belochus. 


"Q  ELOSUS  fetled  in  his  new  old  Seat, 


D 


Not  fo  content  but  aiming  to  be  great, 


Incroaching  ftill  upon  the  bordering  lands, 

Till  Mefopotamia  he  got  in's  hands. 

And  either  by  compound  or  elfe  by  ftrength,          [79] 

AJfyria  he  gain'd  alfo  at  length; 

Then  did  rebuild,  deftroyed  Nineveh, 

A  coftly  work  which  none  could  do  but  he, 

Who  own'd  the  Treafures  of  proud  Babylon, 

And  thofe  that  feem'd  with  SnrdanapaPs  gone; 

For  though  his  Palace  did  in  afhes  lye, 

The  fire  thofe  Mettals  could  not  damnific; 

From7  thefe  with  diligence  he  rakes, 

Arbaces  fuffers  all,  and  all  he  takes, 

He  thus  inricht  by  this  new  tryed  gold. 

Raifes  a  Phaenix  new,  from  grave  o'th'  old; 

And  from  this  heap  did  after  Ages  fee 

As  fair  a  Town,  as  the  firft  Niniveh. 

When  this  was  built,  and  matters  all  in  peace 

Molefts  poor  Ifrael,  his  wealth  t'  increafe. 

A  thoufand  Talents  of  Menahem  had, 

(Who  to  be  rid  of  fuch  a  gueft  was  glad;) 

In  facrid  writ  he's  known  by  name  of  Pul, 

Which  makes  the  world  of  difference  fo  full. 

'  From  rubbilh. 


194  Anne  Bradftreet^s  Works. 

That  he  and  Belochus  could  not  one  be, 

But  Circumftance  doth  prove  the  verity; 

And  times  of  both  computed  fo  fall  out, 

That  thefe  two  made  but  one,  we  need  not  doubt 

What  elfe  he  did,  his  Empire  to  advance, 

To  reft  content  we  muft,  in  ignorance. 

Forty  eight  years  he  reign'd,  his  race  then  run, 

He  left  his  new  got  Kingdome  to  his  Son. 


Tiglath  Pulafsar.  [80] 

T3ELOSUS  dead,  Tiglath  his  warlike  Son, 

"*-^     Next  treads  thofe  fteps,  by  which  his  Father  won ; 

Damafcus  ancient  Seat,  of  famous  Kings 

Under  fubje&ion,  by  his  Sword  he  brings. 

Rejln  their  valiant  King  he  alfo  flew, 

And  Syria  t'  obedience  did  fubdue. 

Judas  bad  King  occalioned  this  war, 

When  Rejins  force  his  Borders  fore  did  marre, 

And  divers  Cities  by  ftrong  hand  did  feaze: 

To  Tiglath  then,  doth  Ahaz  fend  for  eafe, 

The  Temple  robs,  fo  to  fulfil  his  ends, 

And  to  Affyricts  King  a  prefent  fends. 

I  am  thy  Servant  and  thy  Son,  (quoth  he) 

From  Rejin,  and  from  Pekah  fet  me  free,    . 


The  Fo u r  Mo n  a rch  ies.  1 9 1; 

Gladly  doth  Tiglath  this  advantage  take, 

And  fuccours  Ahaz,  yet  for  Tiglath^  fake. 

Then  Rejln  {lain,  his  Army  overthrown, 

He  Syria  makes  a  Province  of  his  own. 

Unto  Damafcus  then  comes  Judafts  King, 

His  humble  thankfulnefs  (in  hafte)  to  bring, 

Acknowledging  th'  Affyrians  high  defert, 

To  whom  he  ought  all  loyalty  of  heart. 

But  Tiglath  having  gain'd  his  wifhed  end, 

Proves  unto  Ahaz  but  a  feigned  friend; 

All  Ifraels  lands  beyond  Jordan  he  takes, 

In  Galilee  he  woful  havock  makes. 

Through  Syria  now  he  march'd  none  ftopt  his  way, 

And  Ahaz  open  at  his  mercy  lay; 

Who  Hill  implor'd  his  love,  but  was  diftreft;  [81] 

This  was  that  Ahaz,  who  fo  high™  tranf  greft:  * 

Thus  Tiglath  reign'd,  &  warr'd  twenty  feven  years 

Then  by  his  death  releas'd  was  Ifraels  fears. 


Salmanaffar  or  Nabanajfar. 

npIGLATH  deceased,  SalmanaJ/ar  was  next, 
He  Ifraelites,  more  then  his  Father  vext; 
Hojhea  their  laft  King  he  did  invade, 
And  him  fix  years  his  Tributary  made ; 

»*  much.  *  2  Chron.  xxviii.  22. 


196  Anne  Bradftreet^s  Works. 

But  weary  of  his  fervitude,  he  fought 

To  Egypts  King,  which  did  avail  him  nought; 

For  Salmanaffar  with  a  mighty  Holt, 

Belieg'd  his  Regal  Town,  and  fpoyPd  his  Coalt, 

And  did  the  people,  nobles,  and  their  King, 

Into  perpetual  thraldome  that  time  bring; 

Thofe  that  from  Jolhuah's  time  had  been  a  Hate," 

Did  Jultice  now  by  him  eradicate:  [10 years. 

This  was  that  ftrange,  degenerated  brood, 

On  whom,  nor  threats,  nor  mercies  could  do  good; 

Laden  with  honour,  prifoners,  and  with  fpoyle, 

Returns  triumphant  Victor  to  his  foyle; 

He  placed  Ifrael  there/  where  he  thought  bell, 

Then  fent  his  Colonies,  theirs  to  invert; 

Thus  Jacobs  Sons  in  Exile  muft  remain, 

And  pleafant  Canaan  never  faw  agaiu: 

Where  now  thofe  ten  Tribes  are,  can  no  man  tell, 

Or  how  they  fare,  rich,  poor,  or  ill,  or  well; 

Whether  the  Indians  of  the  Ealt,  or  Welt, 

Or  wild  Tartarians,  as  yet  ne're  blelt, 

Or  elfe  thofe  Chinoes  rare,  whofe  wealth  &  arts    [82] 

Hath  bred  more  wonder  then  belief  in  hearts : 

But  what,  or  where  they  are;  yet  know  we  this, 

They  mall  return,  and  Zion  fee  with  blifs. 

*  been  Eftate.  .  o  Plac'd  Ifrael  in's  Land, 


The  Four  Monarchies.  197 

Senacherib. 

ENACHERIB  Salmanaffer  fucceeds, 

Whofe  haughty  heart  is  fhowne  in  words p  &  deeds 
His  wars,  none  better  then  himfelf  can  boaft, 
On  Henah,  Arpad,  and  on  Juahs  coaft; 
On  Hevahs  and  on  Shepharvaims  gods, q 
'Twixt  them  and  Ifraels  he  knew  no  odds,    *  [7  years. 
Untill  the  thundring  hand  of  heaven  he  felt, 
Which  made  his  Army  into  nothing  melt: 
With  ihame  then  turn'd  to  Ninive  again, 
And  by  his  fons  in's  Idols  houfe  was  flain. 


Effdrhadon. 

T  TIS  Son,  weak  Effarkaddon  reign'd  in's  place, 

•*•  •*•     The  fifth,  and  laft  of  great  Bellofus  race. 

Brave  Merodach,  the  Son  of  Baladan, 

In  Babylon  Lieftenant  to  this  man 

Of  opportunity  advantage  takes, 

And  on  his  Maflers  ruines  his  houfe  makes, 

As  Belofus  his  Soveraign  **  did  enthrone, 

So  he's  now  flil'd  the  King  of  Babilon. 

After  twelve  years  did  EJfarhaddon  dye, 

And  Merodach  affume  the  Monarchy. 

/  works.  <7  Ivah  leaft: 

r  firft,  his.  On  Hetia's,  and  on  Sefi/iarttaim's  gods. 

*  In  the  first  edition. 


198  Anne  Bradftreef1  s   Works. 


Merodach  Balladan.  [83] 

A   LL  yield  to  him,  but  Niniveh  kept  free, 
-£*•     Untill  his  Grand-child  made  her  bow  the  knee. 
Ambafiadors  to  Hezekiah  fent,  *  [21  years. 

His  health  congratulates  with  complement. 


Ben  Merodach. 

T3  EN  MERODACH  Succeffor  to  this  King, 
-*^*     Of  whom  is  little  faid  in  any  thing,  *  [22  years. 
But  by  conjecture  this,  and  none  but  he 
Led  King  ManaJ/ek  to  Captivity. 


Nebula/far. 

T)  RAVE  Nebulajfar  to  this  King  was  fon, 

-*~^     The  famous J  Ninivek  by  him  was  won, 

For  fifty  years,  or  more,  it  had  been  free, 

Now  yields  her  neck  unto  captivity:  *  [12  years. 

'  ancient.  *  In  the  first  edition. 


The  Four  Monarchies.  199 

A  Vice-Roy  from  her  foe  Ihe's  glad  to  accept, 
By  whom  in  firm  obedience  Ihe  is  kept. 
This  King's  lefs  fam'd  for  all  the  a£ts  he's  done, 
Then  being  Father  to  fo  great  a  Son/ 


Nebuchadnezzar,  or  Nebopolaffar. 

T^HE  famous  a6ls  *  of  this  heroick  King 

Did  neither  Homer,  Hejiod,  Virgil ling: 
Nor  of  his  Wars  v  have  we  the  certainty 
From  fome  Thucidides  grave  hiftory; 
Nor's  Metamorphoiis  from  Ovids  book, 
Nor  his  reltoriag  from  old  Legends  took: 
But  by  the  Prophets,  Pen-men  moll  divine, 
This  prince  in's  magnitude  doth  ever  mine: 
This  was  of  Monarchyes  that  head  of  gold, 
The  richeft  and  the  dread  fulleft  to  behold: 
This  was  that  tree  whofe  branches  fill'd  the  earth, 
Under  whofe  fhadow  birds  and  beafts  had  birth: 
This  was  that  king  of  kings,  did  what  he  pleas'd, 
Kil'd,  fav'd,  pul'd  down,  fet  up,  or  pain'd  or  eas'd; 
And  this  was  he,  who  when  he  fear'd  the  leaft 
Was  changed  w  from  a  King  into  a  bead.* 

:  - 

*  These  two  lines  are  not  in  the  first  edition. 
«  Wars.  v  a6ts.  *»  turned. 

*  Dan.  ii.  32,  37,  38;   iv.  10-12,  33. 


2oo  Anne  Bradftreet^s  Works. 

This  Prince  the  laft  year  of  his  fathers  reign 

Againft  Jehojakim  marcht  with  his  train, 

Judahs  poor  King  befieg'd  and  fuccourlefs 

Yields  to  his  mercy,  and  the  prefent  'ftrefs; 

His  Vaflal  is,  gives  pledges  for  his  truth, 

Children  of  royal  blood,  unblemifh'd  youth: 

Wife  Daniel  and  his  fellowes,  mongft  the  reft, 

By  the  victorious  king  to  BabePs  preft: 

The  Temple  of  rich  ornaments  defac'd, 

And  in  his  Idols  houfe  the  vefTels-*  plac'd. 

The  next  year  he  with  unrefifted  hand 

Quite  vanquifh  d  Pharaoh  Necho  with  his  band : 

By  great  Euphrates  did  his  army  fall, 

Which  was  the  lofs  of  Syria  withall. 

Then  into  Egypt  Necho  did  retire, 

Which  in  few  years  proves  the  AJJirians  hire. 

A  mighty  army  next  he  doth  prepare, 

And  unto  wealthy  Tyre  in  haft  repair. 

Such  was  the  fcituation  of  this  place, 

As  might  not  him,  but  all  the  world  out-face, 

That  in  her  pride  me  knew  not  which  to  boaft       [85] 

Whether  her  wealth,  or  yet  her  ftrength  was  moft 

How  in  all  merchandize  me  did  excel, 

None  but  the  true  Ezekiel  need  to  tell. 

And  for  her  ftrength,  how  hard  me  was  to  gain, 

Can  Babels  tired  fouldiers  tell  with  pain. 

Within  an  Ifland  had  this  city  feat, 

Divided  from  the  Main  by  channel  great: 

^  Vaffal's. 


The  Four  Monarchies. 


201 


Of  coftly  fhips  and  Gallyes  fhe  had  flore, 

And  Mariners  to  handle  fail  and  oar: 

But  the  Chaldeans  had  nor  fhips  nor  skill, 

Their  fhoulders  rnuft  their  Mailers  mind  fulfill, 

Fetcht  rubbifh  from  the  oppofite  old  town, 

And  in  the  channel  threw  each  burden  down; 

Where  after  many  effayes,  they  made  at  lafl 

The  fea  firm  land,  whereon  the  Army.paft, 

And  took  the  wealthy  town;  but  all  the  gain, 

Requited  not  the  lofs/  the  toyle  and  pain. 

Full  thirteen  years  in  this  fbrange  work  he  fpent 

Before  he  could  accomplish  his  intent: 

And  though  a  Vi6tor  home  his  Army  leads, 

With  peeled  fhoulders,  and  with  balded  heads.* 

When  in  the  Tyrian  war  this  King  was  hot, 

Jehojakim  his  oath  had  clean  forgot, 

Thinks  this  the  fittefl  time  to  break  his  bands 

Whileft  Babels  King  thus  deep  engaged  flands : 

But  he  whofe  fortunes  all  were  in  the  ebbe,* 

Had  all  his  hopes  like  to  a  fpiders  web; 

For  this  great  King  withdraws  part  of  his  force, 

To  Judah  marches  with  a  fpeedy  courfe, 

And  unexpected  finds  the  feeble  Prince  [86] 

Whom  he  chaflis'd  thus  for  his  proud  offence, 

Fafl  bound,  intends  to  Babel  him  to  fend,* 

But  chang'd  his  mind,  &  caus'd  his  life  there  end/ 

y  coft.  2  But  he  (alas)  whofe  fortunes  now  i'  the  ebbe. 

«  intends  at  Babel  he  ihal  ftay.  b  and  flew  him  by  the  way. 

*  Ezek.  xxix.  18. 

26 


202  Anne  Bradft reefs  Works. 

Then  caft  him  out  like  to  a  naked  Afs, 

For  this  is  he  for  whom  none  faid  alas.* 

His  fon  he  fuffered  three  months  to  reign, 

Then  from  his  throne  he  pluck'd'  him  down  again, 

Whom  with  his  mother  he  to  Babel  led. 

And  feven  and  d  thirty  years  in  prifon  fed : 

His  Uncle  he  eftablifh'd  in  his  place 

(Who  was  laft  King  of  holy  Davids  race) 

But  he  as  perjur'd  as  Jehojakim, 

They  loft  more  now'  then  e're  they  loft  by  him. 

Seven  years  he  kept  his  faith,  and  fafe  he  dwells ; 

But  in  the  eighth  againft  his  Prince  rebels : 

The  ninth  came  Nebuchadnezzar  with  power, 

Belieg'd  his  city,  temple,  Zions  tower, 

And  after  eighteen  months  he  took  them  all : 

The  Walls  fo  ftrong,  that  ftood  fo  long,  now  fall. 

The  curfed  King  by  flight  could  no  wife  fly7 

His  well  deferv'd  and  foretold  mifery: 

But  being  caught  to  Babels  wrathfull  King 

With  children,  wives  and  Nobles  all  they  bring. 

Where  to  the  fword  all  but  himfelf  were  put, 

And  with  that  wofull  light  his  eyes  clofe  fhut. 

Ah!  haplefs  man,  whofe  darkfome  contemplation 

Was  nothing  but  fuch  gaftly  meditation. 

In  midft  of  Babel  now  till  death  he  lyes; 

Yet  as  was  told  ne're  faw  it  with  his  eyes. 

c  pull'd.  d  And  more  then. 

f  ludah  loft  more.  /  free. 

*  Jer.  xxii.  18,  19. 


Four  Monarchies.  203 

The  Temple's  burnt,  the  veffels  had  away.  [87] 

The  towres  and  palaces  brought  to  decay: 

Where  late  of  harp  and  Lute  were  heard  the  noife 

Now  Zim  &  Jim  *  lift  up  their  fcrieching^  voice. 

All  now  of  worth  are  Captive  led  with  tears, 

And  fit  bewailing  Zion  feventy  years.    . 

With  all  thefe  conquefts,  Babels  King  refts  not, 

No  not  when  Moab,  Edom  he  had  got, 

Kedar  and  Hazar,  the  Arabians  too, 

All  VafTals  at  his  hands  for  Grace  muft  fue. 

A  total  conqueft  of  rich  Egypt  makes, 

All  rule  he  from  the  ancient  Phraohes  takes, 

Who  had  for  fixteen  hundred  years  born  fway, 

To  Babilons  proud  King  now  yields  the  day. 

Then  Put  and  Lud^  do  at  his  mercy  ftand. 

Where  e're  he  goes,  he  conquers  every  land. 

*  These  words  are  explained  by  the  translation  and  marginal  note  of 
Isaiah  xiii.  21,  22,  in  the  Genevan  Bible  (London,  1599)  :  — 

"But/Zijm  mall  lodge  there,  &  their  houfes  fhalbe  full  of  Ohim  : 
Oftriches  mall  dwell  there,  and  the  Satyrs  mall  dance  there. 

"#  Which  were  either  wild  beafts,  or  foules,  or  wicked  fpirits,  whereby  Satan  deluded  man,  as 
by  the  fairies,  goblins,  and  fuch  like  fantafies. 

"And  lim  fhall  cry  in  their  palaces,  and  dragons  in  their  pleafant  pal 
aces  :  and  the  time  thereof  is  ready  to  come,  and  the  dayes  thereof  fhal 
not  be  prolonged." 

Also  in  Jeremiah  1.  39:  "Therefore  the  Ziims  with  the  lims  mall  dwell 
there" 

"Ziim"  means  literally  inhabitants  of  the  desert,  either  men  or  beasts. 
The  "  lim  "  were  probably  jackals.  In  King  James's  version  of  the  Bible 
the  words  are  translated  by  "wild  beasts  of  the  desert"  and  "wild  beasts 
of  the  islands." 

The  first  edition  has  "  Sim  "  instead  of  "  Jim." 

t  Judith  ii.  23.  ^  Ihriking. 


204  Anne  Bradft  reefs  Works. 

His  fumptuous  buildings  paffes  all  conceit, 

Which  wealth  and  ftrong  ambition  made  fo  great. 

His  Image  Judahs  Captives  worfhip  not, 

Although  the  Furnace  be  feven  times  more  hot. 

His  dreams  wife  Daniel  doth  expound  full  well, 

And  his  unhappy  chang  with  grief  foretell. 

Strange  melancholy  humours  on  him  lay, 

Which  for  feven  years  his  reafon  took  away, 

Which  from  no  natural  caufes  did  proceed, 

But  for  his  pride,  fo  had  the  heavens  decreed.* 

The  time  expir'd,  bruitifh  remains h  no  more, 

But  Goverment  refumes  as  heretofore : 

In  fplendor,  and  iu  Majeily  he  fits, 

Contemplating  thofe  times  he  loft  his  witts. 

And  if  by  words  we  may  ghefs  at  the  heart,          [88] 

This  king  among  the  righteous  had  a  part: 

Fourty  four  years  he  reign'd,  which  being  run, 

He  left  his  wealth  and  conquefts  to  his  fon. 


Evilmerodach 

T3  ABEL'S  great  Monarch  nowr  laid  in  the  dufl, 
••^     His  fon  potteries  wealth  and  rule  as  juft: 
And  in  the  firft  year  of  his  Royalty 
Eafeth  Jehojakims  Captivity: 

£  For  by  the  Heavens  above  it  was  decreed.  *  remains  a  Bead. 


The  Four  Monarchies.  205 

Poor  forlorn  Prince,  who  had  all  Hate  forgot 
In  feven  and  thirty  years  had  feen  no  jot. 
Among  the  conquer'd  Kings  that  there  did  ly 
Is  Judah's  King  now  lifted  up  on  high: 
But  yet  in  Babel  he  muft  ftill  remain, 
And  native  Canaan  never  fee  again: 
Unlike  his  Father  Evilmerodach, 
Prudence  and  magnanimity  did  lack; 
Fair  Egypt  is  by  his  remifnefs  loft, 
Arabia,  and  all  the  bordering  coaft. 
Warrs  with  the  Medes  unhappily  he  wag'd 
(Within  which  broyles  rich  Croefus  was  ingag'd) 
His  Army  routed,  and  himfelf  there  flain: 
His  Kingdome  to  Beljhazzar  did  remain. 


Beljhazzar. 

T  TNWORTHY  Beljhazzar  next  wears  the  crown, 
^      Whofe  a6ts  profane  a  facred  Pen  fets  down, 
His  lufl  and  crueltyes  in  ftoryes *  find, 
A  royal  State  rul  d  by  a  bruitifh  mind. 
His  life  fo  bafe,  and  diflblute  invites  [89] 

The  noble  Perjian  to  invade  his  rights. 
Who  with  his  own,  and  Uncles  power  anon, 
Layes  liedge  to's  Regal  Seat,  proud  Babylon, 

i  cruelty,  in  books  we. 


206  Anne  JBradftreefs  Works. 

The  coward  King,  whofe  ftrength  lay  in  his  walls, 

To  banquetting  and  revelling  now  falls, 

To  fhew  his  little  dread,  but  greater  ftore, 

To  chear  his  friends,  and  fcorn  his  foes  the  more. 

The  holy  veflels  thither  brought  long  fince, 

They  carrows'd  in,  and  facrilegious  prince 

Did  praife  his  Gods  of  mettal,  wood,  and  ilone, 

Protestors  of  his  Crown,  and  Babylon, 

But  he  above,  his  doings  did  deride, 

And  with  a  hand  foon  dafhed  all  this  pride. 

The  King  upon  the  wall  cafting  his  eye, 

The  fingers  of  a  '  hand  writing  did  fpy, 

Which  horrid  fight,  he  fears  mull  needs  portend 

Deftru6tion  to  his  Crown,  to's  Perfon  end. 

With  quaking  knees,  and  heart  appall'd  he  cries, 

For  the  Soothfayers,  and  Magicians  wife; 

This  language  ilrange  to  read,  and  to  unfold ; 

With  gifts  of  Scarlet  robe,  and  Chain  of  gold, 

And  higheft  dignity,  next  to  the  King, 

To  him  that  could  interpret,  clear  this  thing: 

But  dumb  the  gazing  Ailrologers  Hand, 

Amazed  at  the  writing,  and  the  hand. 

None  anfwers  the  affrighted  Kings  intent. 

Who  ilill  expe6ls  fome  fearful  fad  event; 

As  dead,  alive7  he  fits,  as  one*  undone: 

In  comes  the  Queen,  to  chear  her  heartlefs  Son. 

Of  Daniel  tells,  who  in  his  grand-fires  dayes        [9°] 

Was  held  in  more  account7  then  now  he  was. 

*  his.  j  As  thus  amort.  k  all.  I  requeft. 


The  Four  Monarchies.  207 

Daniel  in  hafte  is  brought  before  the  King, 
Who  doth  not  flatter,  nor  once  cloak  the  thing; 
Reminds  him  of  his  Grand-Sires  height  and  fall, 
And  of  his  own  notorious  lins  withall: 
His  Drunkennefs,  and  his  profanefs  high, 
His  pride  and  fottifh  grofs  Idolatry. 
The  guilty  King  with  colour  pale  and  dead 
Then  hears  his  Mene  and  his  Tekel  read.* 
And  one  thing  did  worthy  a  King  (though  late) 
Perform'd  his  word  to  him  that  told  his  fate. 
That  night  victorious  Cyrus  took  the  town, 
Who  foon  did  terminate  his  life  and  crown; 
With  him  did  end  the  race  of  Baladan: 
And  now  the  Per/ran  Monarchy  began. 

*  Dan.  v.  25-28. 


The  End  of  the  Affyrian  Monarchy. 


The  Second  Monarchy,      [91] 
being  the  Perjian,  began  under 

Cyrus,  Darius  being  his  Uncle  and 

Father-in-law  reigned  with  him 

about  two  years. 


Cambyfes  Son  of  Per/la  King, 
Whom  Lady  Mandana  did  to  him  bring, 
She  daughter  unto  great  Aftiages, 
He  in  defcent  the  feventh  from  Arbaces. 
Cambyfes  was  of  Achemenes  race, 
Who  had  in  Perjla  the  Lieftenants  place 
When  Sardanapalus  was  overthrown, 
And  from  that  time  had  held  it  as  his  own. 
Cyrus,  Darius  Daughter  took  to  wife, 
And  fo  unites  two  Kingdomes  without  ftrife. 
Darius  unto  Mandana  .was  brother, 
Adopts  her  fon  for  his,  having  no  other. 
This  is  of  Cyrus  the  true  pedegree, 
Whofe  Anceftors  were  royal  in  degree : 


The  Four  Monarchies.  209 

His  Mothers  dream,  and  Grand-Sires  cruelty, 

His  prefervation,  in  his  mifery, 

His  nourifhment  afforded  by  a  Bitch, 

Are  fit  for  fuch,  whofe  ears  for  Fables  itch. 

He  in  his  younger  dayes  an  Army  led,  [92] 

Againft  great  Creffus  then  of  Lidia  head; 

Who  over-curious  of  wars  event, 

For  information  to  Apollo  went: 

And  the  ambiguous  Oracle  did  trull, 

So  overthrown  by  Cyrus,  as  was  juft; 

Who  him  puafues  to  Sardis,  takes  the  Town, 

Where  all  that  dare  m  relift  are  ilaughter'd  down ; 

Difguifed  Creffus  hop'd  to  fcape  i'th'  throng, 

Who  had  no  might  to  fave  himfelf  from  wrong; 

But  as  he  paft,  his  Son  who  was  born  dumb, 

With  preffing  grief  and  forrow  overcome: 

Among  the  tumult,  bloud-fhed,  and  the  ftrife, 

Brake  his  long  filence,  cry'd,  fpare  Creffus  life: 

Creffus  thus  known,  it  was  great  Cyrus  doom, 

(A  hard  decree)  to  alhes  he  confume; 

Then  on  a  wood-pile  *  fet,  where  all  might  eye, 

He  Solon,  Solon,  Solon,  thrice  did  cry. 

The  Reafon  of  thofe  words  Cyrus  demands, 

Who  Solon  was?    to  whom  he  lifts  his  hands; 

Then  to  the  King  he  makes  this  true  report, 

That  Solon  fometimes  at  his  flately  Court, 

His  Treafures,  pleafures,  pomp  and  power  dfd  fee, 

And  viewing  all,  at  all  nought  mov'd  was  he: 

• 
, 

»*  dpe  *  Pike  being. 

27 


2io  Anne  Bradft  reef's  Works. 

That  Creffus  angry,  urg'd  him  to  exprefs, 

If  ever  King  equal'd  his  happinefs. 

(Quoth  he)  that  man  for  happy  we  commend, 

Whofe  happy  life  attains  an  happy  end.0 

Cyrus  with  pitty  mov'd,  knowing  Kings  Hand, 

Now  up  and  down,  as  fortune  turns  her  hand, 

Weighing  the  Age,  and  greatnefs  of  the  Prince,   [93] 

(His  Mothers  Uncle)  ftories  do  evince: 

Gave  him  his  life,  and  took  him  for  a  friend, 

Did  to  him  ftill  his  chief  defigns  commend.  * 

Next  war  the  reftlefs  Cyrus  thought  upon, 

Was  conqueft  of  the  (lately  Babilon, 

Now  treble  walPd,  and  moated  fo  about, 

That  all  the  world  they  need  not?  fear  nor  doubt; 

To  drain  this  ditch,  he  many  Sluces  cut, 

But  till  convenient  time  their  heads  kept  (hut; 

That  night  Belfhazzar  feafted  all  his  rout, 

He  cut  thofe  banks,  and  let  the  River  out, 

And  to  the  walls  fecurely  marches  on, 

Not  finding  a  defendant  thereupon; 

Enters  the  Town,  the  fottifh  King  he  flayes, 

Upon  Earths  richeft  fpoyles  his  Souldiers  preys; 

Here  twenty  years  provifion  good  r  he  found, 

Forty  five  miles  this  City  fcarce  could  round; 

o  Instead  of  this  and  the  nine  preceding  lines,  the  first  edition  has,  — 
Upon  demand,  his  minde  to  Cyrus  broke, 
And  told,  how  Solon  in  his  hight  had  fpoke. 
P  Gave  him  at  once,  his  life,  and  Kingdom  too, 
And  with  the  Lidians,  had  no  more  to  doe. 

9  they  neither.  r  "  good  "  not  in  the  first  edition. 


The  Four  Monarchies.  2 1 1 

This  head  of  Kingdomes  Chaldees  excellence, 

For  Owles  and  Satyres  made  a  refidence;* 

Yet  wondrous  monuments  this  {lately  Queen, 

A  thoufand  years  had  after  to  be  feen/ 

Cyrus  doth  now  the  Jewifh  Captives  free, 

An  Edict  made,  the  Temple  builded  be, 

He  with  his  Uncle  Daniel  fets  on  high, 

And  caus'd  his  foes  in  Lions  Den  to  dye. 

Long  after  this  he  'gainft  the  Scythians  goes, 

And  Tomris  Son  and  *  Army  overthrows ; 

Which  to  revenge  me  hires  a  mighty  power, 

And  fets  on  Cyrus,  in  a  fatal  hour; 

There  routs  his  Holt,  himfelf  me  prifoner  takes,  [94] 

And  at  one  blow  (worlds  head)  me  headlefs  makes 

The  which  me  bath'd,"  within  a  But  of  bloud, 

Uling  fuch  taunting  words,  as  me  thought  good. 

But  Xenophon  reports  he  di'd  in's  bed, 

In  honour,  peace,  and  wealth,  with  a  grey  head; 

And  in  his  Town  of  P&Jfagardes  v  lyes, 

Where  fome  long  after  fought  in  vain  for  prize,™ 

But  in  his  x  Tombe,  was  only  to  be  found 

Two  Scythian  boys,^  a  Sword  and  Target  round: 

And  Alexander  coming  to  the  fame, 

With  honours  great,  did  celebrate  h*s  fame. z 

*  Is.  xiii.  21.  -y  Had  after  thoufand  yeares  faire  to  be  feen. 

*  an  u  bak'd  v  Pafargada, 

™  Where  Alexander  fought,  in  hope  of  prize.  *  this  y  bowes. 

z  Instead  of  this  and  the  preceding  line,  the  first  edition  has,  — 

Where  that  proud  Conquereur  could  doe  no  lefle. 

Then  at  his  Herie  great  honours  to  exprefie ; 


212  Anne  Bradft  reefs  Works. 

Three  daughters  and  two  Sons  he  left  behind, 

Innobled  more  by  birth,  then  by  their  mind;" 

Thirty  two  years  in  all  this  Prince  did  reign, 

But  eight  whilft  Babylon,  he  did  retain: 

And  though  his  conquefts  made  the  earth  to  groan, 

Now  quiet  lyes  under  one  marble  ftone. 

And  with  an  Epitaph,  himfelf  did  make, 

To  mew  how  little  Land  he  then  mould  take. 


Cambyfes. 

f^AMBYSES  no  wayes  like  his  noble  Sire, 

^•^     Yet  to  inlarge  his  State  had  fome  deiire, 

His  reign  with  bloud  and  Inceft  firft  begins, 

Then  fends  to  find  a  Law,  for  thefe  his  fins; 

That  Kings  with  Sifters  match,  no  Law  they  find, 

But  that  the  Perfean  King  may  a6t  his  mind : b 

He  wages  war  the  fifth  year  of  his  reign, 

'Gainft  Egypts  King,  who  there  by  him  was  flain. 

And  all  of  Royal  Bloud,  that  came  to  hand,  [95] 

He  feized  firft  of  Life,  and  then  of  Land, 

<*  Instead  of  the  six  lines  following  this,  the  first  edition  has,  — 

Some  thirty  years  this  potent  Prince  did  reign, 

Unto  Cambyfes  then,  all  did  remain. 
*  After  this  the  first  edition  has,  — 

Which  Law  includes  all  Lawes,  though  lawleffe  ftil, 

And  makes  it  lawful  Law,  if  he  but  wil ; 


The  Four  Monarchies.  213 

(But  little  Narusc  fcap'd  that  cruel  fate, 
Who  grown  a  man,  refum'd  again  his  State.) 
He  next  to  Cyprus  fends  his  bloudy  Hoft, 
Who  landing  foon  upon  that  fruitful  Coaft, 
Made  Evelthon  their  King  with  bended  knee, 
To  hold  his  own,  of  his  free  Courtelie. 
Their  Temple  d  he  deftroys,  not  for  his  Zeal, 
For  he  would  be  profeft,  God  of  their  weal; 
Yea,  in  his  pride,  he  ventured  fo  farre, 
To  fpoyle  the  Temple  of  great  Jupiter  : 
But  as  they  marched  o're  thofe  defert  fands, 
The  ftormed  dull  o'rewhelm'd  his  daring  bands; 
But  fcorning  thus,  by  Jove  to  be  outbrav'd, 
A  fecond  Army  he  *  had  almoft  grav'd, 
But  vain  he  found  to  fight  with  Elements, 
So  left  his  facrilegious  bold  intents. 
The  Egyptian  Apis  then  he  likewife  flew, 
Laughing  to  fcorn,  that  fottifh  Calvifh  Crew: 
If  all  this7  heat  had  been  for  pious  g  end, 
Cambyfes  to  the  Clouds  we  might  commend. 
But  he  that  'fore  the  Gods  himfelf  prefers, 
Is  more  profane  then  grofs  Idolaters \h 

c  Marus.          d  The  Temples.  e  there.          f  his.          g  a  good. 

*  Instead  of  the  four  lines  following  this,  the  first  edition  has,  — 

And  though  no  gods,  if  he  efteem  them  fome, 

And  contemn  them,  woful  is  his  doome, 

He  after  this,  faw  in  a  Villon, 

His  brother  Smerdis  fit  upon  his  throne  : 

He  ftrait  to  rid  himfelf  of  caufleffe  fears, 

Complots  the  Princes  death,  in  his  green  years, 


214  Anne  Bradftreet^s  Works. 

He  after  this,  upon  fufpition  vain, 

Unjuftly  cauf'd  his  brother  to  be  flain. 

Praxafpes  into  Perjia  then  is  fent, 

To  a6l  in  fecret,  this  his  lewd  intent: 

His  Sifter  (whom  Incefluoufly  he  wed?) 

Hearing  her  harmlefs  brother  thus  was  dead. 

His  wofull  death  *'  with  tears  did  fo  bemoan,  [96] 

That  by  her  husbands  charge,  me  caught  her  own, 

She  with  her  fruit  at  once  were  both  undone 

Who  would  have  born  a  Nephew  and  a  fon. 

Oh  hellelh  husband,  brother,  uncle,  Sire, 

Thy  cruelty  all7  ages  will  *  admire. 

This  fhrange  feverity  he  fometimes  us'd l 

Upon  a  Judge,  for  taking  bribes  m  accus'd, 

Flay'd  him  alive,  hung  up  his  fluffed  skin 

Over  his  feat,  then  plac'd  his  fon  therein, 

To  whom  he  gave  this  in  remembrance, 

Like  fault  mull  look  for  the  like  recompence. 

His  cruelty  was  come  unto  that  height, 

He  fpar'd  nor  foe,  nor  friend,  nor  favourite." 

Who  for  no  wrong,  poore  innocent  muft  dye, 

Prarafpes  now  muft  adl  this  tragedy ; 

Who  into  Per/to,  with  Commiffion  fent, 

Accomplilhed  this  wicked  Kings  intent ; 
«  fate.  .;  will.  *  ftill. 

I  one  time  he  us'd.  m  breach  of  Law. 

«  Instead  of  this  and  the  preceding  line,  the  first  edition  has,  — 

Prarafpes,  to  Cambyfes  favourite, 

Having  one  fon,  in  whom  he  did  delight, 

His  cruell  Mafter,  for  all  fervice  done, 

Shot  through  the  heart  of  his  beloved  fon  : 


The  Four  Monarchies.  215 

'T would  be  no  pleafure,"  but  a  tedious  thing 

To  tell  the  fadts  of  this  moft  bloody  King, 

Feared  of  all,  but  lov'd  of  few  or  none, 

All  wifht^  his  fhort  reign  paft  before q  'twas  done. 

At  laft  two  of  his  Officers  he  hears 

Had  fet  one  Smerdis  up,  of  the  fame  years, 

And  like  in  feature  to  his  brother  r  dead, 

Ruling,  as  they  thought  benV  under  this  head. 

The  people  ignorant  of  what  was  done, 

Obedience  yielded  as  to  Cyrus  fon/ 

Toucht  with  this  news  to  Perjia  he  makes, 

But  in  the  way  his  fword  juft  vengeance  takes, 

Unfheathes,  as  he  his  horfe  mounted  on  high, 

And  with  a  mortal  thruft  wounds  him  ith'  thigh, 

Which  ends  before  begun  his  home-bred  u  warr: 

So  yields  v  to  death,  that  dreadfull  Conquerour. 

Grief  for  his  brothers  death  he  did  exprefs,  [97] 

And  more,  becaufe  he  died  Iffuelefs. 

The  male  line  of  great  Cyrus  now  had  end, 

The  Female  to  many  Ages  did  extend. 

A  Babylon  in  Egypt  did  he  make, 

And  Meroe  built  for  his  fair  Sifters  fake.w 

Eight  years  he  reign'd,  a  fhort,  yet  too  long  time 

Cut  off  in's  wickednefs  in's  ftrength  and  prime. 

And  only  for  his  fathers  faithfullnefie, 
Who  faid  but  what,  the  king  bad  him  expreffe. 

0  pleafant.  /  thought.  ?  long,  till.  r  the  Smerdis. 

s  good.  t  This  and  the  preceding  line  are  not  in  the  first  edition. 

«  the  Per/tan.  v  Yeelding. 

w  And  built  fair  Meroe,  for  his  fillers  fake. 


216  Anne  Bradft  reefs  Works. 


The  inter  regnum  between  Cambyfes 
And  Darius  Hiftafpes. 

CHILDLESS  Cambyfes  on  the  fudden  dead, 

^-*/      (The  Princes  meet,  to  chufe  one  in  his  ftead, 

Of  which  the  chief  was  *  feven,  call'd  Satrapes, 

Who  like  to  Kings,  rul'd  Kingdomes  as  they  pleafe, 

Defcended  all  of  Achemenes  bloud, 

And  Kinfmen  in  account  to  th'  King  they  flood. 

And  firft  thefe  noble  Magi  'gree  upon, 

To  thrufl  th'  importer  Smerdis  out  of  Throne : 

Then^  Forces  infbantly  they  raife,  and  rout 

This  King  with  his  Confpirators  fo  flout,2 

But  yet  'fore  this  was  done  much  bloud  was  fried, 

And  two  of  thefe  great  Peers  in  Field  a  lay  dead. 

Some  write  that  forely  hurt  they  fcap'd  away, 

But  fo,  or  no,  fure  'tis  they  won  the  day. 

All  things  in  peace,  and  Rebels  throughly  quell'd, 

A  Confultation  by  thofe  States  was  held, 

What  form  of  government  now  to  erecl; 

The  old,  or  new,  which  beft,  in  what  refpecl:. 

The  greater  part  declin'd  a  Monarchy  [98] 

So  late  crufht  by  their  Princes  tyranny, 

•*•  were.  y  Their. 

*  After  this,  the  first  edition  has,  — 

Who  little  pleafure  had,  in  his  fhort  reigne, 
And  now  with  his  accomplices  lye  ilaine. 

«  place. 


Th  e  Fo  u  r  Mo  n  a  rch  ies.  217 

And  thought  the  people  would  more  happy  be 

If  govern'd  by  an  Ariflocracy: 

But  others  thought  (none  of  the  dulleft  brain) 

That  better  one  then  many  tyrants  reign. 

What  Arguments  they  us'dr  I  know  not  well, 

Too  politick,  its  like,  for  me  to  tell, 

But  in  conclufion  they  all  agree, 

Out  of  the  feven  a  Monarch  chofen  be. 

All  envy  to  avoid,  this  was  thought  on 

Upon  a  green  to  meet  by  rifing  fun, 

And  he  whofe  horfe  before  the  reft  mould  neigh, 

Of  all  the  Peers  mould  have  precedency. 

They  all  attend  on  the  appointed  hour, 

Praying  to  fortune  for  a  kingly  power. 

Then  mounting  on  their  fnorting  courfers  proud, 

Darius  luily  Stallion  neigh'd  full  loud/ 

The  Nobles  all  alight,  bow  to  their  King, 

And  joyfull  acclamations  fhrill  they  ring. 

A  thoufand  times,  long  live  the  King  they  cry, 

Let  Tyranny  writh  dead  Cambifes  dye : 

Then  all*  attend  him  to  his  royall  room: 

Thanks  for  all  this  to's  crafty  ftable-groom. 

«  Instead  of  the  four  lines  following  this,  the  first  edition  has,  — 
The  Nobles  all  alight,  their  King  to  greet, 
And  after  Per/tan  manner,  kifle  his  feet. 
His  happy  wimes  now  doth  no  man  fpare, 
But  acclamations  ecchoes  in  the  aire ; 
A  thoufand  times,  God  fave  the  King,  they  cry, 
Let  tyranny  now  with  Cambyfes  dye. 

*  They  then. 

28 


2i8  Anne  Bradft  reefs  Works. 


Darius  Hyftafpes. 

by  eleftion  made  a  King, 
His  title  to  make  flrong,  omits  no  thing: 
He  two  of  Cyrus  daughters  then  doth  wed, 
Two  of  his  Neeces  takes  to  Nuptial  bed, 
By  which  he  cuts  their  hopes  for  future  time,         [99] 
That  by  fuch  fteps  to  Kingdomes  often  clime. 
And  now  a  King  by  manage,  choice  and  blood: 
Three  firings  to's  bow,  the  leafl  of  which  is  good; 
Yet  firmly  more,  the  peoples  hearts  to  bind. 
Made  wholfome,  gentle  laws  which  pleas'd  each  mind. 
His  courtefie  and  affability. 
Much  gain'd  the  hearts  of  his  nobility. c 
Yet  notwithstanding  all  he  did  fo  well, 
The  Babylonians  'gainfl  their  prince  rebell. 
An  hoft  he  rais'd  the  city  to  reduce; 
But  men  d  againft  thofe  walls  were  of  no  ufe/ 
Then  brave  Zopirus  for  his  maflers  good, 
His  manly  face  diffigures,  fpares  no  blood: 
With  his  own  hands  cutts  off  his  ears  and  nofe, 
And  with  a  faithfull  fraud  to  th'  town  he  goes, 

c  His  affability,  and  milde  afpedl, 
Did  win  him  loyalty,  and  all^refpedl; 

d  ftrength. 

«  After  this,  the  first  edition  has,  — 

For  twice  ten  months  before  the  town  he  lay, 
And  fear'd,  he  now  with  fcorn  muft  march  away. 


The  Four  Monarchies.  219 

tells  them  how  harlhly  the  proud  king  had  dealt, 

That  for  their  fakes  his  cruelty  he  felt, 

Defiring  of  the  Prince  to  raife  the  liege, 

This  violence  was  done  him  by  his  Liege. 

This  told,  for  entrance  he  flood  not  long; 

For  they  believ'd  his  nofe  more  then  his  tongue. 

With  all  the  city's  flrength  they  him  betruft, 

If  he  command,  obey  the  greatefl  mult. 

When  opportunity  he  faw  was  fit 

Delivers  up  the  town,  and  all  in  it. 

To  loofe  a  nofe,  to  win  a  town's  no  lhame, 

But  who  dares  venture  fuch  a  fhake  for  th'  game. 

Then  thy  difgrace,  thine  honour's  manifold, 

Who  doth  deferve  a  llatue  made  of  gold. 

Nor  can  Darius  in  his  Monarchy,  [IO°] 

Scarce  find  enough  to  thank  thy  loyalty:7 

Yet  o're  thy  glory  we  mult  call  this  vail, 

Thy  craft  more  then  thy  valour  did  prevail.^ 

Darius  in  the  fecond  of  his  reign 

An  Edict  for  the  Jews  publifh  d  again : 

The  Temple  to  rebuild,  for  that  did  reft 

Since  Cyrus  time,  Cambifes  did  moleft. 

He  like  a  King  now  grants  a  Charter  large, 

Out  of  his  own  revennues  bears  the  charge, 

, 

f  After  this,  the  first  edition  has,  — 

But  yet  thou  haft  fufficient  recompence, 
In  that  thy  fame  ihall  found  whilft  men  have  fence ; 
g  Thy  fallhood,  not  thy  valour  did  prevaile; 
Thy  wit  was  more  then  was  thine  honefty, 
Thou  lov'dft  thy  Mailer  more  then  verity. 


22O  Anne  Brad  ft  reefs  Works. 

Gives  Sacrifices,  wheat,  wine,  oyle  and  fait, 

Threats  punifhment  to  him  that  through  default 

Shall  let  the  work,  or  keep  back  any  thing 

Of  what  is  freely  granted  by  the  King: 

And  on  all  Kings  he  poures  out  Execrations 

That  fhall  once  h  dare  to  rafe  thofe  firm  foundations 

They  thus  backt  by  the  King,  in  fpight  of  foes 

Built  on  and  profper'd  till  their  houfe  they  '  clofe, 

And  in  the  fixth  year  of  his  friendly  reign, 

Set  up  a  Temple  (though  a  lefs)  again : 

Darius  on  the  Scythians  made  a  war, 

Entring  that  larg  and  barren  Country  far: 

A  Bridge  he  made,  which  ferv'd  for  boat  &  barge 

O're  Ifter  fair,  with  labour  and  with  charge.7 

But  in  that  defert;  'mongft  his  barbarous  foes 

Sharp  wants,  not  fwords,  his  valour  did  oppofe, 

His  Army  fought  with  hunger  and  with  cold, 

Which  to  aflail  his  royal  Camp  was  bold/ 

By  thefe  alone  his  holt  was  pincht  fo  fore, 

He  warr'cl  defenfive,  not  offenlive  more. 

The  Salvages  did  laugh  at  his  diftrefs,  [IOIJ 

Their  minds  by  Hiroglyphicks  they  exprefs, 

A  Frog  a  Moufe,  a  bird,  an  arrow  lent, 

The  King  will  needs  interpret  their  intent, 

Pofleirlon  of  water,  earth  and  air, 

But  wife  Gobrias  reads  not  half  fo  fair: l 

/l  but.  i  walls  did. 

/  Over  fair  Ifter,  at  a  mighty  charge. 
*  Which  two  then  to  afiaile,  his  Camp  was  bold.  /  farro. 


The  Fo  u r  Mo n  a rch  tes.  221 

(Quoth  he)  like  frogs  in  water  we  muft  dive, 

Or  like  to  mice  under  the  earth  muft  live, 

Or  fly  like  birds  in  unknown  wayes  full  quick, 

Or  Scythian  arrows  in  our  fides  muft  ftick. 

The  King  feeing  his  men  and  victuals  fpent, 

This  fruitlefs  war  began  late  to  repent, 

Return'd  with  little  honour,  and  lefs  gain. 

His  enemies  fcarce  feen,  then  much  lefs  flain. 

He  after  this  intends  Greece  to  invade, 

But  troubles  in  lefs  AJla  him  ftaid, 

Which  hufht,  he  ftraight  fo  orders  his  affairs, 

For  Attaca  an  army  he  prepares; 

But  as  before,  fo  now  with  ill  fuccefs 

Return'd  with  wondrous  lofs,  and  honourlefs. 

Athens  perceiving  now  their  defperate  ftate 

Arm'd  all  they  could,  which  eleven  thoufand  made 

By  brave  Miltiades  their  chief  being  led : 

Darius  multitudes  before  them  fled. 

At  Marathon  this  bloudy  field  was  fought, 

Where  Grecians  prov'd  themfelves  right  fouldiers  itout 

The  Perjians  to  their  gallies  poft  with  fpeed 

Where  an  Athenian  fhew'd  a  valiant  deed, 

Purfues  his  flying  foes  then  on  the  fand,w 

He  ftayes  a  lanching  n  gaily  with  his  hand, 

Which  foon  cut  off,  inrag'd,*  he  with  his  left,       [102] 

Renews  his  hold,  and  when  of  that  bereft, 

»«  Itrand.  H  landing. 

*  •'  inrag'd  "  not  in  the  first  edition. 


222  Anne  Bradft  reefs  Works. 

His  whetted  teeth  he  claps  °  in  the  firm  wood, 

Off  flyes  his  head,  down  fhowres  his  frolick  bloud, 

Go  Per/tans,  carry  home  that  angry  piece, 

As  the  beft  Trophe  which  ye  won  in  Greece, 

Darius  light,  yet*  heavy  home  returns, 

And  for  revenge,  his  heart  ftill  refblefs  burnes, 

His  Queen  Atqffa  Author  of q  this  ftirr, 

For  Grecian  maids  ('tis  faid)  to  wait  on  her. 

She  loft  her  aim,  her  Husband  he  loft  more, 

His  men  his  coyne,  his  honour,  and  his  fbore; 

And  the  enfuing  year  ended  his  Life, 

(Tis  thought)  through  grief  of  this  fuccefslefs  itrife 

Thirty  fix  years  this  noble  Prince  did  reign, 

Then  to  his  fecond r  Son  did  all  remain. 


Xerxes. 


AT'ERXES.  Darius,  and  A  to/fit*  Son, 

Grand  child  to  Cyrus,  now  fits  on  the  Throne : 
(His  eldefl  brother  put  befide  the  place, 
Becaufe  this  was,  firft  born  of  Cyrus  race.)45" 
His  *  Father  not  fo  full  of  lenity, 
As  was  his*  Son  of  pride  and  cruelty; 

*  fticks.  /  he.  9  caufed  all. 

*  This  and  the  preceding  line  are  not  in  the  first  edition. 
r  eldeft.  s  The.  *  is  the. 


Th e  Fou r  Mo narch ies.  223 

He  with  his  Crown  receives  a  double  war, 

The  Egyptians  to  reduce,  and  Greece  to  marr, 

The  firfb  begun,  and  finilh'd  in  fuch  hafte, 

None  write  by  whom,  nor  how,  'twas  over  paft. 

But  for  the  laft,  he  made  fuch  preparation, 

As  if  to  dull,  he  meant,  to  grinde  that  nation; 

Yet  all  his  men,  and  Inilruments  of  flaughter,      [103] 

Produced  but  derilion  and  laughter, 

Sage  Artabanus  Counfel  had  he  taken, 

And's  Couzen  young  Mardonius  forfaken, 

His  Souldiers  credit,  wealth  at  home  had  ftaid, 

And  Greece  fuch  wondrous  triumphs  ne'r  had  made. 

The  firft  dehorts  *  and  layes  before  his  eyes 

His  Fathers  ill  fuccefs,  in's  enterprize, 

Againlt  the  Scythians  and  Grecians  too, 

What  Infamy  to's  honour  did  accrew. 

Flatt'ring  Mardonius  on  the  other  fide, 

With  conqueft  of  all  Europe?  feeds  his  pride: 

Vain  Xerxes  thinks  his  counfel  hath  moll  wit, 

That  his  ambitious  humour  belt  can  fit; 

And  by  this  choice  unwarily  polls  on, 

To  prefent  lofs,  future  fubverlion. 

Although  he  halted,  yet  four  years  was  fpent 

In  great  provilions,  for  this  great  intent: 

His  Army  of  all  Nations  was  compounded, 

That  the  vail w  Per/tan  government  furrounded. 

His  Foot  was  feventeen  hundred  thoufand  Itrong, 

Eight  hundred  thoufand  horfe,  to  thefe  belong 

«  deports.  »  With  certainty  of  Europe.  ™  large. 


224  Anne  Brad/I 'reefs  Works. 

His  Camels,  beafts  for  carriage  numberlefs, 

For  Truths  afham'd,  how  many  to  exprefs ; 

The  charge  of  all,  he  feverally  commended 

To  Princes,  of  the  Perfean  bloud  defcended : 

But  the  command  of  thefe  commanders  all, 

Unto  Mardonius  made  their  General ;  * 

(He  was  the  Son  of  the  fore  natn'd  Gobrius, 

Who  married  the  Sifter  of  Darius^) 

Such-'  his  land  Forces  were,  then  next  a  fleet,      [104] 

Of  two  and  twenty  thoufand  Gallies  meet 

Man'd  with  Phenicians  and  Pamphylians 

Cipriots,  Dorians  and  Cilicians, 

Lycians,  Carians  and  lonians^ 

Eolians  and  the  Helefpontines. 

Beiides  the  veflels  for  his  tranfportation, 

Which  to  three  thoufand  came  a  (by  beft  relation) 

Brave  Artemifea,  Hallicarnaffus  Queen b 

In  perfon  prefent c  for  his  aid  d  was  feen, 

Whofe  Gallyes  all  the  reft  in  neatnefs  pafs, 

Save  the  Zidonians,  where  Xerxes  was : 

But  hers  me  kept  ftill  feperate  from  the  reft, 

For  to  command  alone,  me  judg'd e  was  beft. 

O  noble  Queen,  thy  valour  I  commend; 

But  pitty  'twas  thine  aid  thou7  here  didft  lend. 

At  Sardis  in  Lydia,  all  thefe  do  meet, 

Whether^  rich  Pythias  comes  Xerxes  to  greet, 

x  To  Mardonius,  Captain  Generall.  y  Thefe. 

«  Three  thoufand  (or  more).  *  Artemejia,  Halicarnd's  Queene, 

f  there,  now.  d  help.  e  thought.  /  that.          g  Whither. 


The  Four  Monarchies.  225 

^  -  - 

Feafts  all  this  multitude  of  his  own  charge, 

Then  gives  the  King  a  king-like  gift  full  h  large, 

Three  thoufand  talents  of  the  pureil  gold, 

Which  mighty  fum  all  wondred  to  behold: 

Then  humbly  to  the  king  he  makes  requeft, 

One  of  his  five  fons  there  might  be  releas'd, 

To  be  to's  age  a  comfort  and  a  Hay, 

The  other  four  he  freely  gave  away. 

The  king  calls  for  the  youth,  who  being  brought, 

Cuts  him  in  twain  for  whom  his  Sire  befought, 

Then  laid  his  parts  on  both  fides  of  the  way, 

'Twixt  which  his  fouldiers  marcht  in  good  array/ 

For  his  great  love  is  this  thy  recompence?  [IO5] 

Is  this  to  do  like  Xerxes  or  a  Prince? 

Thou  fhame  of  kings,  of  men  the  detefhation, 

I  Rhetorick  want  to  pour  out  execration. 

Firft  thing  he  did  that's  worthy  of  recount/ 

A  Sea  paffage  cut  behind  Athos  mount. 

Next  o're  the  Helefpont  a  bridge  he  made 

Of  Boats  together  coupled,  and  there  laid: 

But  winds  and  waves  thofe  iron  bands  did  break; 

To  crofs  the  fea  fuch  ftrength  he  found  too  weak, 

Then  whips  the  fea,  and  with  a  mind  moft  vain 

He  fetters  calls  therein  the  fame  to  chain. 


*  moft. 

*  Instead  of  this  and  the  preceding  line,  the  first  edition  has, — 

-   , 


O  moft  inhumain  incivility! 


Nay,  more  then  monftrous  barb'rous  cruelty  ! 
/  Xerxes  did  worthy  recount, 

29 


I 


226  Anne  Bradft  reefs  Works. 

The  work-men  put  to  death  the  bridge  that  made, 

Becaufe  they  wanted  skill  the  fame  toVe  ftaid.* 

Seven  thoufand  Gallyes  chain'd  by  Tyrians  skill. 

Firmly  at  lanV  accomplifhed  his  will. 

Seven  dayes  and  nights,  his  hoft  without  leaft  ftay 

Was  marching  o're  this  new  devifed  way/* 

Then  in  Abidus  plains  rnuftring  his  forces, 

He  gloryes  in  his  fquadrons  and  his  horfes. 

Long  viewing  them,  thought  it  great  happinefs, 

One  king  fo  many  fubje<5ts  mould  poflefs: 

But  yet  this  fight  from  him  *  produced  tears, 

That  none  of  thofe  could  *  live  an  hundred  years. 

What  after  did  enfue  had  he  forefeen, 

Of  fo  long  time  his  thoughts  had  never  been. 

Of  Artubanus  he  a^ain  demands 

O 

How  of  this  enterprife  his  thoughts  now  ftands, 
His  anfwer  was,  both  fea  and  land  he  fear'd, 
Which  was  not  vain  as  after^  foon  appeared. 
But  Xerxes  refolute  to  Thrace  goes  firft,  [I 

His  Hoft  all?  Liffus  drinks,  to  quench  their  thirft; 
And  for  his  Cattel,  all  Piffyrus  Lake 
Was  fcarce  enough,  for  each  a  draught  to  take: 
Then  marching  on  to  trr  ftreight  Thermopyle, 
The  Spartan  meets  him  brave  Leonade\ 

k  Instead  of  this  and  the  five  preceding  lines,  the  first  edition  has, 
But  winds,  and  waves,  thefe  couples  foon  diflever'd, 
Yet  Iferxes  in  his  enterprife  perfever'd ; 

1  length.  **  this  interrupting  Bay.  «  this  goodly  light. 

0  thefe  Ihould.  p  as  it.  <J  who. 


The  Fotir  Monarchies.  227 

This  'twixt  the  mountains  lyes  (half  Acre  wide) 

That  pleafant  Tkejfaly  from  Greece  divide 

Two  dayes  and  nights,  a  fight  they  there  maintain, 

Till  twenty  thoufand  Perjians  fell r  down  (lain; 

And  all  that  Army  then  difmaid,  had  fled, 

But  that  a  Fugitive  difcovered. 

How  fome*  might  o're  the  mountains  go  about, 

And  wound  the  backs  of  thofe  brave '  warriors  flout 

They  thus  behem'd  with  multitude  of  Foes, 

Laid  on  more  fiercely  their  deep  mortal  blows. 

None  cries  for  quarter,  nor  yet  feeks  to  run; 

But  on  their  ground  they  die  each  Mothers  Son. 

O  noble  Greeks,  how  now  degenerate, 

Where  is  the  valour  of  your  ancient  State? 

When  as  one  thoufand  could  a  "  million  daunt, 

Alas !    it  is  Leonades  you  want. 

This  fhameful  victory  coil  Xerxes  dear, 

Among  the  reft,  two  brothers  he  loft  there; 

And  as  at  Land,  fo  he  at  Sea  was  croft, 

Four  hundred  ftately  Ships  by  ftorms  was  loft; 

Of  VefTels  fmall  almoft  innumerable, 

The  Harbours  to  contain  them  "was  not  able,2' 

Yet  thinking  to  out-match  his  Foes  at  Sea, 

Enclof'd  their  Fleet  i'th'  ftreight  of  Eubea: 

But  they  as  fortunate  atw  Sea  as  Land,  [I07] 

In  this  ftreight,  as  the  other  firmly  Hand. 

»-  falls.  *  part.  *  bold.  *  fome  Millions. 

v  Them  to  receive,  the  Harbour  was  not  able;  w  valiant  by. 


228  Anne  Brad/I -reefs  Works. 

And  Xerxes  mighty  Gallyes  battered  fo, 

That  their  fplit  fides  witnelPd  his  overthrow; 

Then  in  the  ftreight  of  Salamis  he  try'd, 

If  that  fmall  number  his  great  force  could  'bide: 

But  he  in  daring  of  his  forward  Foe, 

Received  there  a  fhameful  overthrow. 

Twice  beaten  thus  at  Sea  he  warr'd  no  more, 

But  then  the  Phocians  Country  *  wafted  fore; 

They  no  way  able  to  withftand  his  force, 

That  brave  Themiftocles  takes  this  wife  courfe, 

In  fecret  manner  word  to  Xerxes  fends, 

That  Greeks  to  break  his  Bridg  fhortly  intends : 

And  as  a  friend  warns  him  what  e're  he  do 

For  his  Retreat,  to  have  an  eye  thereto, 

He  hearing  this,  his  thoughts  &  courfe  home  bended 

Much  fearing  that^  which  never  was  intended. 

Yet  'fore  he  went  to  help  out  his  expence, 

Part  of  his  Hoft  to  Delphos  fent  from  thence, 

To  rob  the  wealthy  Temple  of  Apollo, 

But  mifchief  facriledge  cloth  ever  follow. 

Two  mighty  Rocks  brake  from  Parnaffus  hill, 

And  many  thoufands  of  thofe  men  did  kill; 

Which  accident  the  reft  affrighted  fo, 

With  empty  hands  they  to  their  Mafter  go: 

He  finding  all,  to  tend  to  his  decay, 

Fearing  his  Bridge,  no  logger  there  would  ftay.z 

-*  But  Phocians  Land,  he  then  y  Much,  that. 

*  He  feeing  all  thus  tend  unto  decay, 

Thought  it  his  beft,  no  longer  for  to  flay; 


The  Four  Monarchies.  229 

Three  hundred  thoufand  yet  he  left  behind, 

With  his  Mardoniiis  Index  a  of  his  mind; 

Who  for  his  fake  he  knew  would  venture  farre, 

(Chief  iniligator  of  this  haplefs b  warr.) 

He  inftantly  to  Athens  fends  for  peace, 

That  all  Hoftility  fromc  thence  forth  ceafe; 

And  that  with  Xerxes  they  would  be  at  one, 

So  fhould  all  favour  to  their  State  be  fhown. 

The  Spartans  fearing  Athens  would  agree, 

As  had  Macedon,  Thebes,  and  Theffaly, 

And  leave  them  out,  this  Shock  now  to  fuftain, 

By  their  Ambalfador  they  thus  complain, 

That  Xerxes  quarrel  was  'gainft  Athens  State, 

And  they  had  helpt  them  as  Confederate; 

If  in  their  d  need  they  fhould  forfake  e  their  friends, 

Their  infamy  would  laft  till  all  things  ends: 

But  the  Athenians  this  peace  deteft, 

And  thus  reply'd  unto  Mardorfs  requeft. 

That  whil'ft  the  Sun  did  run  his  endlefs  Courfe 

Againfl  the  Perjians,  they  would  bend7  their  force; 

Nor  could  the  brave  Ambaffador  he  g  fent, 

With  Rhetorick  gain*  better  Complement: 

A  Macedonian  born,  and  '  great  Commander, 

No  lefs  then  grand-Sire  to  great  Alexander 

Mardonius  proud  hearing  this  Anfwer  flout, 

To  add  more  to  his  numbers  layes  about; 

n  judex.  f>  hopelefie.  c  might.  d  If  now  in. 

'  thus  fail.        /  ufe.  e  be.  *  t'  gain. 

*  Though  of  this  Nation  borne  a 


230  Anne  Bradftreet 's  Works. 

And  of  thofe  Greeks  which  by  his  Skill  he'd  won, 

He  fifty  thoufand  joyns  unto  his  own : 

The  other  Greeks  which  were  Confederate 

In  all  one  hundred  and  ten  thoufand  made/ 

The  Athenians  could  but  forty  thoufand  Arme, 

The  reft  had  weapons  would  do  little  harm; 

But  that  which  helpt  defects,  and  made  them  bold,  [  1 09] 

Was  victory  by  Oracle  foretold.     • 

Then  for  one  battel  fhortly  all  provide, 

Where  both  their  Controverfies  they'l  decide;* 

Ten  dayes  thefe  Armyes  did  each  other  face, 

Mardonius  finding  victuals  waft  apace, 

No  longer  dar'd,  but  bravely /  on-fet  gave, 

The  other  not  a  hand  nor  Sword  would  wave, 

Till  in  the  Intrails  of  their  Sacrifice 

The  fignal  of  their  victory  did  rife, 

Which  found  like  Greeks  they  fight,  the  Perftans  fly, 

And  troublefome  Mardonius  now  muft  dye. 

All's  loft,  and  of  three  hundred  thoufand  men, 

Three  thoufand  only  can  m  run  home  agen. 

j  One  hundred  thoufand,  and  ten  thoufand  make. 

*  Instead  of  this  and  the  five  preceding  lines,  the  first  edition  has,  — 
The  Beotian  Fields,  of  war,  the  feats, 
Where  both  fides  exercis'd  their  manly  feats ; 
But  all  their  controverfies  to  decide, 
For  one  maine  Battell  Ihortly,  both  provide ; 
The  Athenians  could  but  forty  thoufand  arme, 
For  other  Weapons,  they  had  none  would  harme ; 
But  that  which  helpt  defects,  and  made  them  bold, 
Was  Victory,  by  Oracle  fore-told  : 

I  fiercely.  m  fcapes,  for  to. 


Th  e  Fo  u  r  Mo  n  a  rch  ies .  231 

For  pitty  let  thofe  few  to  Xer'xes  go, 

To  certifie  his  final  overthrow: 

Same  day  the  fmall  remainder  of  his  Fleet, 

The  Grecians  at  Mycale  in  AJia  meet. 

And  there  fo  utterly  they  wrackt  the  fame, 

Scarce  one  was  left  to  carry  home  the  Fame; 

Thus  did  the  Greeks  confume,  deilroy,  difperse 

That  Army,  which  did  fright  the  Univerfe. 

Scorn'd  Xerxes  hated  for  his  cruelty, 

Yet  ceafes  not  to  a6l  his  villany. 

His  brothers  wife  folicites  to  his  will, 

The  chad  and  beautious  Dame  refufed  flill; 

Some  years  by  him  in  this  vain  fuit  was  fpent, 

Nor  prayers/  nor  gifts  could  win  him  leail  content; 

Nor  matching  of  her  daughter  to  his  Son, 

But  me  was  ftill  as  when  he^  firfl  begun: 

When  jealous  Queen  Ameftris  of  this  knew,       [II0] 

She  Harpy  like  upon  the  Lady  flew, 

Cut  off  her  breads,  her  lips/  her  nofe  and  ears, 

And  leavs  her  thus  befmear'd  in  bloud  and  tears. 

Straight  comes  her  Lord,  and  finds  his  wife  thus  ly, 

The  forrow  of  his  heart  did  clofe  his  Eye: 

He  dying  to  behold  that  wounding  fight, 

Where  he  had  fometime  gaz'd  with  great  delight, 

To  fee  that  face  where  rofe,  and  Lillyes  flood, 

O'reflown  with  Torrent  of  her  guiltlefs  r  bloud, 

To  fee  thofe  breafls  where  Chaflity  did  dwell, 

Thus  cut  and  mangled  by  a  Hag  of  Hell: 


0  Yet  words.  /  it.  ?  Cut  off  her  lilly  breads,  r  ruby. 


232  Anne  Bradft  reefs  Works. 

With  loaden  heart  unto  the  King  he  goes. 

Tells  as  he  could  his  unexpreffed  woes; 

But  for  his  deep  complaints  and  fhowres  of  tears. 

His  brothers  recompence  was  nought  but  jears: 

The  grieved  prince  finding  nor  right,  nor  love, 

To  Battria  his  houihold  did  remove. 

His  brother  fent  foon  after  him  a  crew/ 

Which  him  and  his  moft  barbaroufly  there  flew: 

Unto  fuch  height  did  grow  his  cruelty, 

Of  life  no  man  had  leaft  fecurity. 

At  laft  his  Uncle  did  his  death  confpire, 

And  for  that  end  his  Eunuch  he  did  hire ; 

Who  privately  him t  fmother'd  in  his  bed, 

But  yet  by  fearch  he  was  found  murthered; 

Then  Artabanus"  hirer  of  this  deed, 

That  from  fufpition  he  might  be  fre'd : 

Accus'd  Darius  Xerxes  eldeft  Son, 

To  be  the  Author  of  the  crime  v  was  done. 

And  by  his  craft  order'd  the  matter  fo,  [i  1 1] 

That  the  Prince  ™  innocent  to  death  did  x  goe : 

But  in  fhort  time  this  wickednefs  was  known, 

For  which  he  died,  and  not  he  alone, 

But  all  his  Family  was  likewife  flain : 

Such  Juftice  in  the  Perjian  Court  did  reign/ 

The  eldeft  fon  thus  immaturely  dead, 

The  fecond  was  inthron'd  in's  fathers  ftead. 

*  His  wicked  brother,  after  fent  a  crew, 

t  Which  wretch,  him  privately.          «  The  Artacanus.          *>  deed, 
w  poor.  x  muft.  y  Such  Juftice  then,  in  Perfia  did  remain, 


The  Fo u r  Mo n a rch ies. 


Artaxerxes  Longimanus. 

\   MONGST   the   Monarchs,   next  this  prince  had 
•^   ^  place 

The  bell  that  ever  fprung  of  Cyrus  race. 
He  firfb  war  with  revolted2  Egypt  made, 
To  whom  the  perjur'd  Grecians  lent  their  aid: 
Although  to  Xerxes  they  not  long  before 
A  league  of  amity  had  firmly  fwore/ 
Which  had  they  kept,  Greece  had  more  nobly  done 
Then  when  the  world  they  after  overrun. 
Greeks  and  Egyptians  both  he  overthrows, 
And  payes  them  both b  according  as  he  owes, 
Which  done,  a  fumptuous  feaft  makes  like  a  king 
Where  ninefcore  dayes  are  fpent  in  banquetting. 
His  Princes,  Nobles,  and  his  Captains  calls, 
To  be  partakers  of  thefe  Feftivals: 
His  hangings  white  and  green,  and  purple  dye, 
With  gold  and  filver  beds,  moft  gorgeouily. 
The  royal  wine  in  golden  cups  did  pafs, 
To  drink  more  then  he  lift,  none  bidden  was : 
Queen   Vafthi  alfo  feafts,  but  'fore  tis  ended, 
She's  from  her  Royalty  (alas)  fufpended, 
And  one  more  worthy  placed  in  her  room,  [II21 

By  Memucans  advice  fo  was  the  doom. 
What  Eftherc  was  and  did,  the  ftory  read, 
And  how  her  Country-men  from  fpoyle  me  freed, 

z  revolting.  «  had  fworn  before.  b  now.  c  Hcftcr. 

3° 


234  Anne  Bradftreef*s  Works. 

Of  Hamans  fall,  and  Mordicaes  great  Rife, 
The  might  of  th'  prince,  the  tribute  of  the  Ifles. 
Good  Ezra  in  the  feventh  year  of  his  reign, 
Did  for  the  Jews  commiffion  large  obtain, 

* 

With  gold  and  filver,  and  what  ere  they  need: 

His  bounty  did  Darius  far  exceed. 

And  Nehemiah  in  his  twentieth  year, 

Went  to  Jerufalem  his  city  dear, 

Rebuilt  thofe  walls  which  long  in  rubbifh  lay, 

And  o're  his  oppofites  fhill  got  the  day/ 

Unto  this  King  Themiftocles  did  fly, 

When  under  Oftracifme  he  did  lye: 

For  fuch  ingratitude  did  Athens  fhow, 

(This  valiant  Knight  whom  they  fo  much  did  owe) 

Such  royal  bounty  from  his e  prince  he  found, 

That  in  his7  loyalty  his  heart  was  bound. 

The  king  not  little  joyfull  of  this  chance, 

Thinking  his  Grejian  warrs  now  to  advance, 

And  for  that  end  great  preparation  made 

Fair  Attica  a  third  time  to  invade. 

His  grand-Sires  old  difgrace  did  vex  him  fore, 

His  Father  Xerxes  lofs  and  mame  much  more. 

For  punifhment  their  breach  of  oath  did  call 

This  noble  Greek ,  now  fit  for  General. 

Provilions  then  and  feafon  being  fit, 

To  Themiftocles  this  wa/r  he  doth  commit, 

ft  This  and  the  seven  preceding  lines  are  not  in  the  first  edition. 
*  Such  entertainment  with  this.  /  all. 


The  Four  Monarchies. 


235 


Who  for  his  wrong  he  could  not  chufe  but  deem  [113] 

His  Country  nor  his  Friends  would  much  efteem:^ 

But  he  all  injury  had  foon  forgat, 

And  to  his  native  land  *  could  bear  no  hate, 

Nor  yet  difloyal  to  his  Prince  would  prove, 

By'  whom  oblig'd  by  bounty/  and  by  love; 

Either  to  wrong,  did  wound  his  heart  fo  fore, 

To  wrong  himfelf  by  death  he  chofe  before: 

In  this  fad  conflict  marching  on  his  wayes, 

Strong  poyfon  took,  fo  put  an  end  to's  dayes. 

The  King  this  noble  Captain  having  loft, 

Difperft  again  his  newly  levied  hoft: 

Reft  of  his  time  in  peace  he  did  remain, 

And  di'd  the  two  and  fortieth  of  his  reign. 


Darius  No  thus. 

T^HREE  fons  great  Artaxerxes  left  behind; 

The  eldeft  to  fucceed,  that  was  his  mind: 
His  fecond  Brother  with  him  fell  at  ftrife, 
Stil  making  war,  till  firft  had  loft  his  life  :  k 
Then  the  Surviver  is  by  Nothus  flam, 
Who  now  fole  Monarch  doth  of  all  remain. 

g  his  Kindred  would  efteem.        *  Country-men.          *  To.         /  favour. 
*  But  he,  with  his  next  brother  fell  at  ftrife, 

That  nought  appeas'd  him,  but  his  brothers  life. 


236  Anne  Bradftreet^s   Works. 

The  two  firft/  fons  (are  by  Hiftorians  thought) 

By  fair  Queen  Efther™  to  her  husband  brought: 

If  fo  they  were/'  the  greater  was  her  moan, 

That  for  fuch  gracelefs  wretches  me  did  groan. 

Revolting"  Egypt  'gainft  this  King  rebels, 

His  Garifons  drives  out  that  'mongft  them^  dwells; 

Joyns  with  the  Greeks,  and  fo  maintain  their  right 

For  lixty  years,  maugre  the  Perjians  might. 

A  fecond  trouble  after  this  fucceeds,  [I][4] 

Which  from  remifsnefs  in  Lefs  AJia  breeds.57 

Amorges,  whom  for*"  Vice-Roy  he  ordain'd, 

Revolts,  treafure  and  people  having  gain'd, 

Plunders s  the  Country,  &  much  mifchief *  wrought 

Before  things  could  to  quietnefs  be  brought. 

The  King  was  glad  with  Sparta  to  make  peace, 

That  fo  he  might  thofe  troubles  u  foon  appeafe : 

But  they  in  AJia  muft  firft  reltore 

All  towns  held  by  his  Anceftors  before. 

The  King  much  profit  reaped  by  this  league," 

Regains  his  own,  then  doth  the  Rebel  break, 

Whofe  ftrength  by  Grecians  help  was  overthrown,™ 

And  fo  each  man  again  poffeft  his  own. 

This  King  Cambifes  like  his  lifter  wed, 

To  which  his  pride,  more  then  his  luft  him  led:  * 

l  Thefe  two  lewd.        ™  To  be  by  Hefter.          «  If  they  were  hers. 
°  Difquiet.  p  therein^.  g  in  AJia  proceeds. 

r  their.  s  Invades.  ' .        f  trouble. 

»  thefe  tumults.  v  reapeth,  by  thefe  leagues. 

w  Whofe  forces  by  their  helpe  were  overthrown. 

•*  The  King,  his  fifler,  like  Cambyfes.  wed; 
More  by  his  pride,  then  luft,  thereunto  led. 


The  Four  Monarchies.  237 

For  Perjlan  Kings  then  deem'd-''  themielves  fo  good 

No  match  was  high  enough  but  their  own  blood. 

Two  fons  fhe  bore,  the  youngefb  Cyrus  nam'd, 

A  Prince  whofe  worth  by  Xenophon  is  fam'd:3 

His  Father  would  no  notice  of  that  take 

Prefers  his  brother  for  his  birthrights  fake. 

But  Cyrus  fcorns  his  brothers  feeble  wit, 

And  takes  more  on  him  then  was  judged  fit. 

The  King  provoked  fends  for  him  to  th'  Court, 

Meaning  to  chaftife  him  in  fharpeft  fort, 

But  in  his  flow  approach,  e're  he  came  there 

His  Father  di'd,  fo  a  put  an  end  to's  fear. 

'Bout  nineteen  years  this  Nothus  reigned/  which  run, 

His  large  Dominions  left  to's  eldeft  Son. 


Artaxerxes  Mnemon.  [TI5j 


MNEMON  now  fet  upon  his  Fathers  Throne, 
Yet  fears  c  all  he  enjoys,  is  not  his  own : 
Still  on  his  brother  carls  a  jealous  eye, 
Judging  his  d  actions  tends  to's  injury. 
Cyrus  on  th'  other  fide  weighs  in  his  mind, 
What  help  in's  enterprize  he's  like  to  find; 

y  did  deem.  *  A  hopefull  Prince,  whofe  worth  is  ever  fam'd. 

<*  fathers  death,  did.  &  Nothus  reign'd  nineteen  years, 

c  doubts.  d  all's. 


238  Anne  Bradftree£*s   Works. 

His  Intereft  in  th'  Kingdome  now  next  heir, 

More  dear  to's  Mother  then  his  brother  farr: 

His  brothers  little  love  like  to  be  gone, 

Held  by  his  Mothers  Interceffion. 

Thefe  and  like  motives  hurry  him  amain, 

To  win  by  force,  what  right  could  not  obtain; 

And  thought  it  beft  now  in  his  Mothers  time, 

By  lower e  fteps  towards  the  top  to  climbe : 

If  in  his  enterprize  he  fhould  fall  fhort, 

She  to  the  King  would  make  a  fair  report, 

He  hop'd  if  fraud  nor  force,  the  Crown  would  gain 

Her  prevalence,  a  pardon  might  obtain. 

From  the  Lieutenant  firfb  he  takes  away 

Some  Towns,  commodious  in  lefs  A.Jia, 

Pretending  ftill  the  profit  of  the  King, 

Whofe  Rents  and  Cufhomes  duly  he  fent  in ; 

The  King  finding  Revenues  now  amended, 

For  what  was  done  feemed  no  whit  offended. 

Then  next  he  takes  the  Spartans  into  pay/ 

One  Greek  could  make  ten  Perjlans  run  away. 

Great  care  was  his  pretence  thofe  Souldiers  flout, 

The  Rovers  in  Pijldia  fhould  drive  out; 

But  left  fome  blacker^  news  fhould  fly  to  Court,  [116] 

Prepares  *  himfelf  to  carry  the  report: 

And  for  that  end  five,  hundred  Horfe  he  chofe; 

With  pofling  fpeed  on  t'wards  the  king  he  goes: 

But  fame  more  quick,  arrives  ere  he  comes  there, 

And  fills  the  Court  with  tumult,  and  with  fear. 

f  leiTer.  /  Then  next,  the  Lacedemons  he  takes  to  pay; 

g  worler.  h  He  meant. 


Th  e  Fo  n  r  Mo  n  a  rcli  ies.  239 


The  old  Queen  and  the  young  at  bitter  jarrs, 

The  lafb  accus'd  the  firft  for  thefe  fad  warrs/ 

The  wife  againft  the  mother  ftill  doth  cry 

To  be  the  Author  of  confpiracy. 

The  King  difmaid,  a  mighty  hoft  doth  raife, 

Which  Cyrus  hears,  and  fo  foreflows  his  pace: 

But  as  he  goes  his  forces  ftill  augments, 

Seven  hundred  Greeks  repair  fory  his  intents, 

And  others  to  be  warm'd  by  this  new  fun 

In  numbers  from  his  brother  dayly  run. 

The  fearfull  King  at  laft  mufters  his  forces, 

And  counts  nine  hundred  thoufand  Foot  &  horfes. 

Three  hundred  thoufand  he  to  Syria  fent 

To  keep  thofe  ftreights  his  brother  to  prevent/ 

Their  Captain  hearing  but  of  Cyrus  name, 

Forfook  his  charge  to  his  eternal  fhame/ 

This  place  fo  made  by  nature  and  by  art, 

Few  might  have  kept  it,  had  they  had  a  heart. 

Cyrus  difpair'd  a  paflage  there  to  gain, 

So  hir'd  a  fleet  to  waft  him  o're  the  Main: 

The  'mazed  King  was  then  about  to  fly 

To  Baftria  and  for  a  time  there  lye,™ 

'  The  one  accus'd  the  other,  for  thefe  wars  :          j  Greeks  now  further. 
k  And  yet  with  thefe,  had  neither  heart,  nor  grace ; 
To  look  his  manly  brother  in  the  face. 
Three  hundred  thoufand,  yet  to  Syria  fent; 
To  keep  thofe  ftreights,  to  hinder  his  intent. 
1  Ran  back,  and  quite  abandoned  the  fame, 
Abrocomes,  was  this  bafe  cowards  name, 
Not  worthy  to  be  known,  but  for  his  fhame  : 
;"  To  th'  utmoft  parts  of  Bafflr'a,  and  there  ljre. 


240  Anne  B  ra  dft  reef*  s   Works. 

Had  not  his  Captains  "  fore  againfb  his  will 

By  reafon  and  by  force  detained  him  ftill, 

Up  then  with  fpeed  a  mighty  trench  he  throws    [117  | 

For  his  fecurity  againft  his  foes. 

Six  yards  the  depth  and  forty  miles  in  length, 

Some  fifty  or  elfe  fixty  foot  in  breadth; 

Yet  for  his  brothers  coming  durft  not  flay, 

He  fafefl  °  was  when  fartheft  out  of  th'  way. 

Cyrus  finding  his  camp,  and  no  man  there, 

Was  not  a  little  jocund  *  at  his  fear. 

On  this  he  and  his  fouldiers  carelefs  grow, 

And  here  and  there  in  carts  their  arms  they  throw 

When  fuddenly  their  fcouts  come  in  and  cry, 

Arm,  Arm,  the  King  with  all  his  hofl  is  nigh.7 

In  this  confufion  each  man  as  he  might 

Gets  on  his  arms,  arrayes  himfelf  for  fight, 

And  ranged  flood  by  great  Euphrates  fide 

The  brunt  of  that  huge  multitude  to  'bide, 

Of  whofe  great  numbers  their  intelligence 

Was  gather'd  by  the  dufl  that  rofe  from  thence, 

Which  like  a  mighty  cloud  darkned  the  sky, 

And  black  and  blacker  grew,  as  they  drew  nigh : 

But  when  their  order  and  their  filence  faw, 

That,  more  then  multitudes  their  hearts  did  awe; 

For  tumult  and  confufion  they  expected, 

And  all  good  difcipline  Jx>  be  neglected. 

«  a  Captain;  o  fureft.  p  Rejoyced  not  a  little. 

9  the  King  is  now  approaching  nigh ; 


The  Four  Monarchies.  241 

But  long  under  their  fears  they  did  not  flay, 

For  at  firft  charge  the  Per/tans  ran  away, 

Which  did  fuch  courage  to  the  Grecians  bring, 

They  all  r  adored  Cyrus  for  their  King: 

So  had  he  been,  and  got  the  victory, 

Had  not  his  too  much  valour  put  him  by. 

He  with  fix  hundred  on  a  Squadron  fet,  [T1^l 

Of  thoufands  fix  wherein  the  King  was  yet, 

And  brought  his  Souldiers  on  fo  gallantly, 

They  ready  were*  to  leave  their  King  and  fly; 

Whom  Cyrus  fpies  cryes  loud/  I  fee  the  man, 

And  with  a  full  carreer  at  him  he  ran: 

And  in  his  fpeed  a  dart  him  hit  i'th'  eye, 

Down  Cyrus  falls,  and  yields  to  deftiny: 

His  Hoft  in  chafe  knows  not  of  this  difafter, 

But  treads  down  all,  fo  to  advance  their  mafter; 

But  when  "  his  head  they  fpy  upon  a  Lance, 

Who  knows  the  fudden  change  made  by  this  chance 

Senfelefs  &  mute  they  Hand,  yet  breath  out  groans, 

Nor  Gorgons  head  like  v  this  transform'd  to  Hones. 

After  this  trance,  revenge,  new  Spirits  blew, 

And  now  more  eagerly  their  Foes  purfue; 

And  heaps  on  heaps  fuch  multitudes  they  laid, 

Their  Arms  grew  weary  by  their  (laughters  made.™ 

The  King  unto  a  Country  Village  flyes, 

And  for  a  while  unkingly  there  he  lyes. 

r  ftraight.  s  They  were  about.  *  out. 

*  At  laft.  v  Nor  Gorgons  like  to. 

™  weake,  through  Daughters  that  they  made. 


242  Anne  Bradft  reef's  Works. 

At  laft  difplays  his  Enfigne  on  a  Hill, 

Hoping  by  that  to  make  the  Greeks  ftand  ftill ; 

But  was  deceived,  to  him  they  run-*  amain, 

The  King  upon  the  fpur  runs  back  again: 

But  they  too  faint  ftill  to  purfue  their  game, 

Being  Victors  oft,  now  to  their  Camp  they  came. 

nor  lackt  they  any  of  their  number  fmall, 

Nor  wound  receiv'd,  but  one  among  them  all: 

The  King  with  his  difperft,  alfo  incamp'd, 

With  Infamy  upon  each  Forehead  flamp'd. 

His  hurri'd  thoughts  he  after  recollects/  [TI9] 

Of  this  dayes  Cowardize  he  fears  th'  effects. 

If  Greeks  in  their  own  Country  mould  declare,2 

What  daftards  in  the  Field  the  Perjians  are, 

They  in  Ihort  time  might a  place  one  in  his  Throne; 

And  rob  him  both  of  Scepter  and  of  Crown ; 

To  hinder  their  return  by  craft  or  force, 

He  judg'd  his  wifeft  and  his  fafeft  Courfe. 

Then  fends,  that  to  his  Tent,  they  flreight  addrefs/ 

And  there  all  wait,  his  mercy  weaponlefs; 

The  Greeks  with  fcorn  reject  his  proud  Commands 

Asking  no  favour,  where  they  fear'd  no  bands: 

The  troubled  King  his  Herrld  fends  again, 

fues  for  peace,  that  they  his  friends  remain, 

it  they  make.  y  After  a  while  his  thoughts  he  re-colledls, 

If  Greeks  unto  their  Country-men  declare, 
They  foone  may  come,  and. 

*  That  their  return  be  ftopt,  he  judg'd  was  beft, 

That  fo  Europians  might  no  more  moleft; 

Forth-with  he  fends  to's  Tent,  they  ftraight  addrefie, 


The  Four  Monarchies.  243 

The  fmiling  Greeks  reply,  they  firft  muft  bait, 

They  were  too  hungry  to  Capitulate; 

The  King  great  ftore  of  all  proviiion  fends, 

And  Courtefie  to  th'  utmoft  he  pretends, 

Such  terrour  on  the  Perjlans  then  did  fall, 

They  quak'd  to  hear  them,  to  each  other  call. 

The  King  perplext,  there  dares  not  let  them  flay ; 

And  fears  as  much,  to  let  them  march  away, 

But  Kings  ne're  want  fuch  as  can  ferve  their  will, 

Fit  Inftruments  t'  accomplim  what  is  ill. 

As  Tyffap  kernes  knowing  his  mafters  mind, 

Their  chief  Commanders  feafts  and  yet  more  kind/ 

With  all  the  Oaths  and  deepeft  Flattery, 

Gets  them  to  treat  with  him  in  privacy, 

But  violates  his  honour  and  his  word, 

And  Villain  like  there  puts  them  all  to  th7  Sword. 

The  Greeks  feeing  ^  their  valiant  Captains  (lain,  [120] 

Chofe  Xenophon  to  lead  them  home  again: 

But  Tiffaphernes  what  he  could  devife, 

Did  flop  the  way  in  this  their  enterprize.  . 

But  when  through  difficulties  all*  they  brake, 

The  Country  burnt,  they  no  relief  might  take/ 

But  on  they  march  through  hunger  &  through  cold 

O're  mountains,  rocks  and  hills  as  lions  bold, 

c  Invites  their  chief  Commander,  as  moft  kinde  ; 
d  having.  '  ftill. 

/  He  fought  all  fuftinance  from  them  to  take ; 
Before  them  burnt  the  country  as  they  went, 
So  to  deprive  them  of  all  nourilhment; 


244  Anne  Bradftreefs  Works. 

Nor  Rivers  courfe,  nor  Perjians  force  could  ftay, 
But  on  to  Trabefond  they  kept  their  way: 
There  was  of  Greeks  fetled  a  Colony, 
Who  after  all  received  them  joyfully. 
Thus  finifhing  their  travail,  danger,  pain/ 
In  peace  they  faw  their  native  foyle  again. 
The  Greeks  now  (as  the  Perjian  king  fufpecls) 
The  AJiaticks  cowardize  detects, 
The  many  vi6k>ryes  themfelves  did  gain, 
The  many  thoufand  Perjians  they  had  flain, 
And  how  their  nation  with  facillity, 
Might  gain  h  the  univerfal  Monarchy. 
They  then  Dercilladus  fend  with  an  hoft, 
Who  with  the  Spartans  on  the  AJian  coaft, 
Town  after  town  with  fmall  refiftance  take, 
Which  rumour  makes  great  Artaxerxes  quake. 
The  Greeks  by  this  fuccefs  encourag'd  fo, 
Their  King'Ag-e/iIaus  doth  over  goe, 
By  Tiffaphernes  is  encountered, 
Lieftenant  to  the  King,  but  foon  he  fled.7 

.r  There  for  fome  time  they  were,  but  whilft  they  ftaid, 
Into  Bythinia  often  in-rodes  made  ; 
The  King  afraid  what  further  they  might  doe, 
Unto  the  Spartan  Admirall  did  fue, 
Straight  to  tranfport  them  to  the  other  fide, 
For  thefe  incurfions  he  durft  not  abide ; 
So  after  all  their  travell,  danger,  pain, 

-  ^  ' 

Ji  win. 

*   Agefilaus  himfelf  doth  over-goe; 

By  th'  Kings  Lieutenant  is  encountered, 

But  Tyjfaphernes  with  his  Army  fled ; 


The  Four  Monarchies.  245 

Which  overthrow  incens'd  the  King  fo  fore, 
That  Tiffaphern  muft  be  Viceroy  no  more. 
Tythrauftes  then  is  placed  in  his  ftead,  L121] 

Commiffion  hath  toy  take  the  others  head: 
Of  that  perjurious  wretch  this  was  the  fate, 
Whom  the  old  Queen  did  bear  a  mortal  hate/ 
Tythrauftes  trufts  more  to  his  wit  then  Arms, 
And  hopes  by  craft  to  quit  his  Matters  harms; 
He  knows  that  many  Towns  in  Greece  envyes 
The  Spartan  State,  which  now  fo  faft  did  rife;7 
To  them  he  thirty  thoufand  Tallents  fent 
With  fuit,  their  Arms  againft  their  m  Foes  be  bent; 
They  to  their  difcontent  receiving  hire, 
With  broyles  and  quarrels  fets  all  Greece  on  fire: 
Agejilaus  is  call'd  home  with  fpeed, 
To  defend,  more  then  offend,  there  was  n  need, 
Their  winnings  loft,  and  peace  their  glad  to  take 
On  fuch  conditions  as  the  King  will  make/ 
DifTention  in  Greece  continued  fo  long, 
Till  many  a  Captain  fell,  both  wife  and  ftrong, 
Whofe  courage  nought  but  death  could  ever  tame 
'Mongft  thefe  Epimanondas  wants  no  fame, 
Who  had  (as  noble  Raileigh  doth  evince) 
All  the  peculiar  virtues  of  a  Prince; 

J  And  hath  command,  to. 

k  Of  that  falfe  perjur'd  wretch,  this  was  the  laft. 

Who  of  his  cruelty  made  many  taft, 

1  height,  which  now  apace  doth  rife:      ™  force,  againft  his.      *  he  had. 
"  They  now  loft  all,  and  were  a  peace  to  make, 

The  Kings  conditions  they  are  forc't  to  take ; 


246  Anne  Bradftreet^s  Works. 

But  let  us  leave  thefe  Greeks  to  difcord  bent, 

And  turn  to  Perjia,  as  is  pertinent. 

The  King  from  forreign  parts  now  well^  at  eafe, 

His  home-bred  troubles  fought  how  to  q  appeafe  • 

The  two  Queens  by  his  means  feem  r  to  abate, 

Their  former  envy  and  inveterate  hate : 

But  the  old  Queen  implacable  in  ftrife, 

By  poyfon  ca^s'd,  the  young  one  lofe  her  life. 

The  King  highly  inrag'd  doth  hereupon  [I22] 

From  Court  exile  her  unto  Babilon\ 

But  fhortly  calls  her  home,  her  counfells  prize, 

(A  Lady  very  wicked,  but  yet  wife)  * 

Then  in  voluptuoufnefs  he  leads  his  life, 

And  weds  his  daughter  for  a  fecond  wife. 

But  long  in  eafe  and  pleafure  did  not  lye, 

His  fons  fore  vext  him  by  difloyalty. 

Such  as  would  know  at  large  his  warrs  and  reign, 

What  troubles  in  his  houfe  he  did  fultain, 

His  match  inceiluous,  cruelties  of  th'  Queen, 

His  life  may  read  in  Plutarch  to  be  feen. 

Forty  three  years  he  rul'd,  then  turn'd  to  duft, 

A  King  nor  good,  nor  valiant,  wife  nor  junV 

/  foes,  and  all.  <]  feeketh  to.  r  'gin. 

J  This  and  the  five  preceding  lines  are  not  in  the  first  edition. 

*  Instead  of  this  and  the  seven  preceding  lines,  the  first  edition  has  the 
following :  — 

His  Mothers  wicked  counfell  was  the  caufe, 
Who  fooths  him  up,  his  owne  defires  are  Lawes  : 
But  yet  for  all  his  greatnefie,  and  long  reign, 
He  muft  leave  all,  and  in  the  pit  remain  ; 


The  Four  Monarchies.  247 


Darius  Ochus. 

a  wicked  and  Rebellious  fon 
Succeeds  in  th'  throne,  his  father  being  gone. 
Two  of  his  brothers  in  his  Fathers  dayes 
(To  his  great  grief)  molt  fubtilly  he  Hayes: 
And  being  King,  commands  thofe  that  remain, 
Of  brethren  and  of  kindred  to  be  ilain. 
Then  raifes  forces,  conquers  Egypt  land, 
Which  in  rebellion  iixty  years  did  Hand: 
And  in  the  twenty  third  ofs  cruel  raign 
Was  by  his  Eunuch  the  proud  Bagoas  flain." 

Forty  three  years  he  rules,  then  turns  to  duft, 
As  all  the  mighty  ones,  have  done,  and  muft  : 
But  this  of  him  is  worth  the  memory, 
He  was  the  Mafter  of  good  Nehemie. 

«  Darius  Ochus. 
I    'Reat  Artaxerxes  dead,  Ochus  fucceeds, 

Of  whom  no  Record's  extant  of  his  deeds ; 
Was  it  becaufe  the  Grecians  now  at  warr 
Made  Writers  work  at  home,  they  fought  not  far? 
Or  dealing  with  the  Perjtan,  now  no  more 
Their  A<$ts  recorded  not,  as  heretofore  ? 
Or  elfe,  perhaps  the  deeds  of  Per/tan  Kings 
In  after  wars  were  burnt,  'mongft  other  things? 
That  three  and  twenty  years  he  reign'd  I  finde, 
The  reft  is  but  conjecture  of  my  minde. 


248  Anne  Bradft  reefs  Works. 


A  rfam es  or  A  rfes,  [  1 2 3 ] 

A   RSAMES  plac'd  now  in  his  fathers  Head, 
•*   *•     By  him  that  late  his  father  murthered. 
Some  write  that  Arfames  was  Ochus  brother, 
Inthron'd  by  Bagoas  in  the  room  of  th'  other: 
But  why  his  brother  'fore  his  fon  fucceeds 
I  can  no  reafon  give,  'caufe  none  I  read. 
His  brother,  as  tis  faid,  long  fince  was  flain, 
And  fcarce  a  Nephew  left  that  now  might  reign : 
What  acts  he  did  time  hath  not  now  left  pen'd, 
But  moft  fuppofe  in  him  did   Cyrus  end, 
Whofe  race  long  time  had  worne  the  diadem, 
But  now's  divolved  to  another  item. 
Three  years  he  reign'd,  then  drank  of 's  fathers  cup 
By  the  fame  Eunuch  who  firft  fet  him  up.7' 

v  Arfames,  or  Arfes. 

TT  7Hy  Arfames  his  brother  fhould  fucceed, 

I  can  no  reafon  give,  caufe  none  I  read ; 
It  maj  be  thought,  furelj  he  had  no  Son, 
So  fell  to  him,  which  elfe  it  had  not  done  : 
What  Acts  he  did,  time  hath  not  now  left  pend, 
But  as  'tis  thought,  in  him  had  Cyrus  end  : 
Whofe  race  long  time  had  worn  the  Diadem, 
But  now's  divolved,  to  another  Stem. 
Three  years  he  reign'd,  as  Chronicles  exprelfe, 
Then  Natures  debt  he«paid,  quite  IflTue-leiTe. 


The  Four  Monarchies.  249 


Darius  Codomanus. 

"TAARIUS  by  this  Bagoas  fet  in  throne, 

(Complotter  with  him  in  the  murther  done) 
And  was  no  fooner  fetled  in  his  reign, 
But  Bagoas  falls  to's  practices  again, 
And  the  fame  fauce  had  ferved  him  no  doubt, 
But  that  his  treafon  timely  was  found  out, 
And  fo  this  wretch  (a  punimment  too  fmall) 
Loft  but  his  life  for  horrid  treafons  all. 
This  Codomanus  now  upon  the  ilage 
Was  to  his  Predeceflbrs  Chamber  page. 
Some  write  great  Cyrus  line  was  not  yet  run, 
But  from  fome  daughter  this  new  king  was  fprung 
If  fo,  or  not,  we  cannot  tell,  but  find  [I24] 

That  feveral  men  will  have  their  feveral  mind; 
Yet  in  fuch  differences  we  may  be  bold, 
With  learned  and  judicious  fhill  to  hold;w 
And  this  'mongft  all's  no  Controverred  thing, 
That  this  Darius,  was  lafh  Perjian  King, 

w  Darius  Codomanus. 

T  TOw  this  Darius  did  attain  the  Crown, 

By  favour,  force,  or  fraud,  is  not  fet  down : 
If  not  (as  is  before)  of  Cyrus  race, 
By  one  of  thefe,  he  muft  obtain  the  place. 
Some  writers  fay,  that  he  was  Arfes  fon, 
And  that  great  Cyrus  line,  yet  was  not  run, 
That  Ockus  unto  Arfames  was  father, 
Which  by  fome  probabilities  (feems  rather;) 
32 


250  Anne  Bradftreetfs  Works. 

Whofe  Wars,  and  loifes  we  may  better  tell, 

In  Alexander's  reign  who  did  him  quell, 

How  from  the  top  of  worlds  felicity, 

He  fell  to  depth  of  greateft  mifery. 

Whofe  honours,  treafures,  pleafures  had  fhort  Hay, 

One  deluge  came  and  fwept  them  all  away. 

And  in  the  iixth  year  of  his  haplefs  reign, 

Of  all  did  fcarce  his  winding  Sheet  retain: 

And  laft,  a  fad  Cataftrophe  to  end, 

Him  to  the  grave  did  Traitor  Beffus  fend. 

That  fon,  and  father,  both  were  murthered 
By  one  Bagoas,  an  Eunuch  (as  is  fed.) 
Thus  learned  Pemble,*  whom  we  may  not  flight, 
But  as  before  doth  (well  read)  Raleigh  write, 
And  he  that  ftory  reads,  mall  often  find ; 
That  feverall  men,  will  have  their  feverall  mind ; 
Yet  in  thefe  differences,  we  may  behold ; 
With  our  judicious  learned  Knight  to  hold. 
*  See  Introduction. 


The  End  of  the  Perjian  Monarchy. 


The  Third  Monarchy,      [125] 
being  the  Grecian,  beginning 

under  Alexander  the  Great  in  the 
112.  Olympiad. 


Alexander  was  wife  Philips  fon, 
He  to  Amyntas,  Kings  of  Macedon\ 
The  cruel  proud  Olympias  was  his  Mother, 
She  to  Epirus  warlike  ^  King  was  daughter. 
This  Prince  (his  father  by  Paufanias  flain) 
The  twenty  firft  of's  age  began  to  reign. 
Great  were  the  Gifts  of  nature  which  he  had, 
His  education  'much  to  thofe  did  adde : 
By  art  and  nature  both  he  was  made  fit, 
To  'complim  that  which  long  before  was  writ. 
The  very  day  of  his  Nativity 
To  ground  was  burnt  Dianaes  Temple  high: 
An  Omen  to  their  near  approaching  woe, 
Whofe  glory  to  the  earth  this  king^  did  throw. 

x  Shee  to  the  rich  MoloJJians.  y  Prince. 


252  Anne  Bradft  reefs  Works. 

His  Rule  to  Greece  he  fcorn'd  fhould  be  confin'd, 
The  Univerfe  fcarce  bound  his  proud2  vaft  mind. 
This  is  the  He-Goat  which  from  Grecia  came, 
That  ran  in  Choler  *  on  the  Perjlan  Ram, 
That  brake  his  horns,  that  threw  him  on  the  ground  [i  26] 
To  fave  him  from  his  might  no  man  was  found:  * 
Philip  on  this  great  Conqueft  had  an  eye, 
But  death  did  terminate  thofe  thoughts  fo  high. 
The  Greeks  had  chofe  him  Captain  General, 
Which  honour  to  his  Son  did  now  befall. 
(For  as  Worlds  Monarch  now  we  fpeak  not  on, 
But  as  the  King  of  little  Macedon) 
Reftlefs  both  day  and  night  his  heart  then  was, 
His  high  refolves  which  way  to  bring  to  pafs  5 
Yet  for  a  while  in  Greece  is  forc'd  to  Hay, 
Which  makes  each  moment  feem  more  then  a  day. 
Thebes  and  ftiff b  Athens  both  'gainft  him  rebel, 
Their  mutinies  by  valour  doth  he  quell/ 
This  done  againft  both  d  right  and  natures  Laws, 
His  kinsmen  put  to  death,  who  gave  no e  caufe; 
That  no  rebellion7  in  in  his  abfence  be, 
Nor  making  Title  unto  Sovereignty. 
And  all  whom  he  fufpects  or  fears  will  climbe/ 
Now  tafte  of  death  leaft  they  deferv'd7'  in  time, 

*  large.  a  fury.  *  Daniel,  chap.  viii.  b  old. 

c  But  he  their  mutinies,  full  fopn  doth  quell.  d  all. 

e  without  leaft.  /  combuftion. 

g  In  feeking  after  Soveraignity  : 

And  many  more,  whom  he  fufpedts  will  climbe. 
h  deferv't. 


The  Four  Monarchies.  253 

Nor  wonder  is  t  if  he  in  blood  begin, 

For  Cruelty  was  his  parental  fin, 

Thus  eafed  now  of  troubles  and  of  fears, 

Next  fpring  his  courfe  to  Ajia  he  fleers; 

Leavs  Sage  Antipater,  at  home  to  fway, 

And  through  the  Hellifpont  his  Ships  made  way. 

Coming  to  Land,  his  dart  on  more  he  throws, 

Then  with  alacrity  he  after  goes; 

And  with  a  bount'ous  heart  and  courage  brave, 

His  little  wealth  among  his  Souldiers  gave. 

And  being  ask'd  what  for  himfelf  was  left,  [I27] 

Reply'd,  enough,  fith  only  hope  he  kept/ 

Thirty  two  thoufand  made  up  his  Foot  force, 

To  which  were  joyn'd  five  thoufand  goodly  horfe. 

Then  on  he  marcht,  in's  way  he  view'd  old  Troy, 

And  on  Achilles  tomb  with  wondrous  joy 

He  offer'd,  and  for  good  fuccefs  did  pray 

To  him,  his  Mothers  Anceftors/  (men  fay) 

When  news  of  Alexander  came  to  Court, 

To  fcorn  at  him  Darius  had  good  fport; 

Sends  him  a  frothy  and  contemptuous  Letter, 

Stiles  him  difloyal  fervant,  and  no  better; 

Reproves  him  for  his  proud  audacity 

To  lift  his  hand  'gainft  fuch  a  Monarchy. 

Then  to's  Lieftenant  he  in  Ajia  fends 

That  he  be  ta'ne  alive,  for  he  intends 

»  This  and  the  three  preceding  lines  are  not  in  the  first  edition. 
/  Anceftor. 


254  Anne  Bradftreet'*  s  Works. 

To  whip  him  well  with  rods,  and  fo  to  bring 

That  boy  fo  mallipert  before  the  King. 

Ah!  fond  vain  man,  whofe  pen  ere  while 

In  lower  terms  was  taught  a  higher  ftile. 

To  River  Granick  Alexander  hyes 

Which  in  Phrygia  near  Propontike  lyes.^ 

The  Per/tans  ready  for  encounter  Hand, 

And  ftrive l  to  keep  his  men  from  off  the  land; 

Thofe  banks  fo  fbeep  the  Greeks  yet  fcramble  up, 

And  beat  the  coward  Per/tans  from  the  top, 

And  twenty  thoufand  of  their  lives  bereave, 

Who  in  their  backs  did  all  their  wounds  receive. 

This  victory  did  Alexander  gain, 

With  lofs  of  thirty  four  of  his  there  flain; 

Then  Sardis  he,  and  Ephefus  did  gain,  [I2^ 

Where  flood  of  late,  Diana's  wondrous  Phane^ 

And  by  Parmenio  (of  renowned  Fame,) 

Miletus  and  Pamphilia  overcame. 

Hallicarnaffus  and  Pijidia 

He  for  his  Matter  takes  with  Lycia. 

Next  Alexander  marcht  towards  the  black  Sea, 

And  eafily  takes  old  Gordium  in  his  way, 

Of  Afs  ear'd  Midas,  once  the  Regal  Seat, 

Whofe  touch  turn'd  all  to  gold,  yea  even  his  meat 

Where  the  Prophetick  knot  he  cuts  in  twain, 

Which  who  fo  doth,  muft  Lord  of  all  remain. 

Now  news  of  Memnorfs  death  (the  Kings  Viceroy) 

To  Alexanders  heart's  no  little  joy, 

*  Which  twixt  Phrtgia,  and  Propontis  lyes.  I  think. 


The  Four  Monarchies.  255 

For  in  that  Peer,  more  valour  did  abide, 

Then  in  Darius  multitude  belide: 

In's  Head,  was  Arfes  plac'd,  but™  durft  not  flay, 

Yet  fet  one  in  his  room,  and  ran  away; 

His  fubftitute  as  fearfull  as  his  mafter, 

Runs  after  two/*  and  leaves  all  to  Difafter. 

Then  Alexander  all  Cilicia  takes, 

No  ftroke  for  it  he  ftruck,  their  hearts  fo  quakes. 

To  Greece  he  thirty  thoufand  talents  fends, 

To  raife  more  Force  to  further  his  °  intends : 

Then  o're^  he  goes  Darius  now  to  meet, 

Who  came  with  thoufand  thoufands  at  his  feet. 

Though  fome  there  be  (perhaps)  q  more  likely  write 

He  but  four  hundred  thoufand  had  to  fight, 

The  reft  Attendants,  which  made  up  no  lefs, 

Both  Sexes  there  was  almost  numberlefs. 

For  this  wife  King  had  brought  to  fee  the  fport,  [129] 

With  him  the  greateft  Ladyes  r  of  the  Court, 

His  mother,  his  beauteous  Queen*  and  daughters, 

It  feems  to  fee  the  Macedonian  flaughters. 

Its  much  *  beyond  my  time  and  little  art, 

To  fhew  how  great  Darius  plaid  his  part; 

The  fplendor  and  the  pomp  he  marched  in, 

For  lince  the  world  was  no  fuch  Pageant  feen. 

Sure  *  'twas  a  goodly  light  there  to  behold, 

The  Per/tans  clad  in  lilk,  and  glittering"  gold, 

»*  There  Arfemes  was  plac'd,  yet.  *  Goes  after  too. 

o  for  what  he  yet  intends.  P  And  on.  Q  and  that. 

f  Along  with  him,  the  Ladyes.  s  His  mother  old,  beautious  wife, 

*  Sure  its.  «  Oh.  »  glitt'ring. 


256  Anne  Bradft  reef's  Works. 

The  ftately  horfes  trapt,  the  lances  gilt, 

As  if  addreft u  now  all  to  run  a  tilt. 

The  holy  fire  was  borne  before  the  hoft, 

(For  Sun  and  Fire  the  Per/tans  worfhip  moft) 

The  Priefts  in  their  ftrange  habit  follow  after, 

An  object,  not  fo  much  of  fear  as  laughter. 

The  King  fate  in  a  chariot  made  of  gold, 

With  crown  and  Robes  moft  glorious  to  behold, 

And  o're  his  head  his  golden  Gods  on  high, 

Support  a  party  coloured  Canopy. 

A  number  of  fpare  horfes  next  were  led, 

Left  he  mould  need  them  in  his  Chariots  ftead; 

But  thofe  that  faw  him  in  this  ftate  to  lye, 

Supposed  he  neither  meant2'  to  fight  nor  flye. 

He  fifteen  hundred  had  like  women  dreft; 

For  thus  w  to  fright  the  Greeks  he  judg'd  was  beft. 

Their  golden  ornaments  how™  to  fet  forth, 

Would  ask  more  time  then  was  their  bodies  worth 

Great  Syjigambis  me  brought  up  the  Reer, 

Then  fuch  a  world  of  waggons  did  appear, 

Like  feveral  houfes  moving  upon  wheels,  [I3°] 

As  if  fhe'd  drawn  whole  Shujhan  at  her  heels : 

This  brave   Virago  to  the  King  was  mother, 

And  as  much  good  fhe  did  as  any  other. 

Now  left  this  gold,  and  all  this  goodly  fluff 

Had  not  been  fpoyle  and^  booty  rich  enough 

*  As  if  they  were. 

v  Would  think  he  neither  thought.  w  fo. 


The  Four  Monarchies.  257 

A  thoufand  mules  and  Camels  ready  wait 

Loaden  with  gold,  with  jewels  and  with  plate: 

For  fure  Darius  thought  at  the  firfl  light, 

The  Greeks  would  all  adore,  but  none  would  fight 

But  when  both  Armies  met,  he  might  behold 

That  valour  was  more  worth  then  pearls  or  gold, 

And  that  his  wealth  ferv'd  but  for  baits  to  'lure 

To  make*  his  overthrow  more  fierce  and  fure. 

The  Greeks  came  on  and  with  a  gallant  grace 

Let  fly  their  arrows  in  the  Per/tans  face. 

The  cowards  feeling  this  fharp  flinging  charge 

Moil  bafely  ran,  and  left  their  king  at  large : 

Who  from  his  golden  coach  is  glad  to  'light, 

And  carl  away  his  crown  for  fwifter  flight: 

Of  late  like  fome  immoveable  he  lay, 

Now  finds  both  legs  and  horfe  to  run  away. 

Two  hundred  thoufand  men  that  day  were  ilain, 

And  forty  thoufand  prifoners  alfo  tane, 

Belides  the  Queens  and  Ladies  of  the  court, 

If  Curtius  be  true  in  his  report. 

The  Regal  Ornaments  were  loft,  the  treafure 

Divided  at  the  Macedonians  pleafure; 

Yet  all  this  grief,  this  lofs,  this  overthrow, 

Was  but  beginning  of  his  future  woe. 

The  royal  Captives  brought  to  Alexander  [I3r] 

T'ward  them  demean'd  himfelf  like  a  Commander 

For  though  their  beauties  were  unparaled, 

Conquer'd  himfelf  now  he  had  conquered, 

*  Which  made. 
33 


258  Anne  Bradft reef's  Works. 

Preferv'd  their  honour,  us'd  them  bounteoufly/ 

Commands  no  man  mould  doe  them  injury: 

And  this  to  Alexander  is  more  fame 

Then  that  the  Perjlan  King  he  overcame. 

Two  hundred  eighty  Greeks  he  loft  in  fight, 

By  too  much  heat,  not  wounds  (as  authors  write) 

No  fooner  had  this  Vi6lor  *  won  the  field, 

But  all  Phenicia  to  his  pleafure  yield, 

Of  which  the  Goverment  he  doth  commit 

Unto  Parmenio  of  all  moft  fit. 

Darius  now  lefs  lofty  a  then  before, 

To  Alexander  writes  he  would  reftore 

Thofe  mournfull  Ladies  from  Captivity, 

For  whom  he  offers  him  a  ranfome  high  : 

But  down  his  haughty  ftomach  could  not  bring, 

To  give  this  Conquerour  the  Stile  of  King. 

This  Letter  Alexander  doth  difdain, 

And  in  fhort  terms  fends  this  reply  again, 

A  King  he  was,  and  that  not  only  fo, 

But  of  Darius  King,  as  he  mould  know. 

Next  Alexander  unto  Tyre  doth  goe, 

His  valour  and  his  victory es  they  know: 

To  gain  his  love  the  Tyrians  intend, 

Therefore  a  crown  and  great  Provifion  fend, 

Their  prefent  he  receives  with  thankfullnefs, 

Defires  to  offer  unto  Hercules, 

Protector  of  their  town,  by  whom  defended,        [ 

And  from  whom  he b  lineally  defcended. 

y  courteoufly.  *  Captaine.  a  more  humble.  ^  alfo 


The  Four  Monarchies.  259 

But  they  accept  not  this  in  any  wife, 

Left  he  intend  more  fraud  then  facrifice, 

Sent  word  that  Hercules  his  temple  flood 

In  the  old  town,  (which  then  lay  like  a  wood) 

With  this  reply  he  was  fo  deep'  enrag'd, 

To  win  the  town,  his  honour  he  ingag'd: 

And  now  as  Babels  King  did  once  before, 

He  leaves  not  till  he  made  the  fea  firm  more, 

But  far  lefs  time  and  coft  he  did  expend, 

The  former  Ruines  forwarded  his  end:** 

Moreover '  had  a  Navy  at  command, 

The  other  by  his  men  fetcht  all  by  land. 

In  feven  months  time  he  took  that  wealthy-^  town, 

Whofe  glory  now  a  fecond  time's  brought  down. 

Two  thoufand  of  the  chief  he  crucifi'd, 

Eight  thoufand  by  the  fword  then  alfo  di'd, 

And  thirteen  thoufand  Gaily  flaves  he  made, 

And  thus  the  Tyrians  for  miftruft  were  paid. 

The  rule  of  this  he  to  Philotas  gave 

Who  was  the  fon  of  that  Parmenio  brave. 

Cilicia  to  Socrates  doth  give, 

For  now's  the  time  Captains  like  Kings  may  live. 

Zidon  he  on  Ephejlion  beftowes; 

(For  that  which  freely^  comes,  as  freely  goes) 

He  fcorns  to  have  one  worfe  then  had  the  other, 

So  gives  his  little  Lordihip  to  another. 

'  fore.  d  help  to  him  now  lend ;  '  Belides,  he. 

/  fpace  he  takes  this  lofty.  g  eafily. 


260  Anne  Bradftreefs  Works. 

Epheftion  having  chief  command  of  th'  Fleet,* 

At  Gaza  now  muft  Alexander  meet. 

Darius  finding  troubles  Hill  increafe,  [X33] 

By  his  AmbaiTadors  now  fues  for  peace, 

And  layes  before  great  Alexanders  eyes 

The  dangers  difficultyes  like  to  rife, 

Firft  at  Euphrates  what  he's  like  to  'bide, 

And  then  at  Tygris  and  Araxis  lide, 

Thefe  he  may  fcape,  and  if  he  fo  defire, 

A  league  of  friendfhip  make  firm  and  entire. 

His  eldeft  daughter  he  '  in  manage  prefers/ 

And  a  moft  princely  dowry  with  her  offers.'* 

All  thofe  rich  Kingdomes  large  that  do  abide 

Betwixt  the  Hellefpont  and  Halys  fide. 

But  he  with  fcorn  his  courtefie  rejects, 

And  the  diflreffed  King  no  whit l  refpe6ls, 

Tells  him,  thefe  proffers  great,  in  truth  were  none 

For  all  he  offers  now  was  but  his  own. 

But  quoth  Parmenio  that  brave  Commander, 

Was  I  as  great,  as  is  great  Alexander, 

Darius  offers  I  would  not  reject, 

But  th'  kingdomes  and  the  Lady  "*  foon  accept. 

To  which  proud  n  Alexander  made  °  reply, 

And  fo  if  I  Parmenio  was,  would  I. 

He  now  to  Gaza  goes,  and  there  doth  meet, 

His  Favorite  Ephejlion  with  his  Fleet, 

*  And  therefore  gives  this  Lord-fliip  to  another. 
Epeftion  now,  hath  the  command  o'  th'  Fleet, 

*  (him).  j  offers.  *  proffers.  /  way. 
»*  Ladies.            »  brave.              o  did. 


The  Four  Monarchies.  261 

Where  valiant  Betis  floutly  keeps  *  the  town, 

(A  loyal  Subject  to  Darius  Crown) 

For  more  repulfe  the  Grecians  here  abide 

Then  in  the  Per/tan  Monarchy  beiide; 

And  by  thefe  walls  fo  many  men  were  flain, 

That  Greece  was  forc'd  to  yield q  fupply  again. 

But  yet  this  well  defended  Town  was  taken,        [T34] 

For  'twas  decree'd,  that  Empire  mould  be  fhaken; 

Thus  Betis  ta'en  r  had  holes  bor'd  through  his  feet, 

And  by  command  was  drawn  through  every  ftreet 

To  imitate  Achilles  in  his  fhame, 

Who  did  the  like  to  Heftor  (of  more  fame) 

What  haft  thou  loft  thy  magnimity/ 

Can  Alexander  deal  thus  cruelly? 

Sith  valour  with  Heroicks  is  renown'd, 

Though  in  an  Enemy  it  mould  be  found; 

If  of  thy  future  fame  thou  hadft  regard, 

Why  didft  not  heap  up  honours  and  reward? 

From  Gaza  to  Jerufalem  he  goes, 

But  in  no  hoflile  way,  (as  I  fuppofe) 

Him  in  his  Prieftly  Robes  high  Jaddus  meets, 

Whom  with  great  reverence  Alexander  greets; 

The  Prieft  mews  him  good  Daniels  Prophefy, 

How  he  mould  overthrow  this  Monarchy, 

By  which  he  was  fo  much  encouraged, 

No  future  dangers  he  did  ever  dread. 

From  thence  to  fruitful  Egypt  marcht  with  fpeed, 

Where  happily  in's  wars  he  did  fucceed; 

/  doth  defend.  9  muft  jeeld  a  frefh. 

r  The  Captaine  tane.          *  thy  late  magnanimity? 


262  Anne  Bradftreetfs  Works. 

To  fee  how  faft  he  gain'd  was  no  fmall  wonder, 

For  in  few  dayes  he  brought  that  Kingdome  under. 

Then  to  the  Phane  of  Jupiter  he  went, 

To  be  inftall'd*  a  God,  was  his  intent. 

The  Pagan  Prieft  through  hire,  or  elfe  mifbake, 

The  Son  of  Jupiter  did  fhreight  him  make: 

He  Diobolical  muft  needs  remain, 

That  his  humanity  will  not  retain. 

Thence*  back  to  Egypt  goes,  and  in  few  dayes;    [135] 

Fair  Alexandria  from  the  ground  doth  raife; 

Then  fetling  all  things  in  lefs  Afea\ 

In  Syria,  Egypt,  and  Phenicia, 

Unto  Euphrates  marcht  and  overgoes, 

For  no  man's  there  his  Army  to  oppofe;* 

Had  Betis  now  been  there  but  with  his  band, 

Great  Alexander  had  been  kept  from  Land. 

But  as  the  King,  fo  is  the  multitude, 

And  now  of  valour  both  are  deftitute. 

Yet  he  (poor  prince)  another  Holt  doth  mufter, 

Of  Perjians,  Scythians,  Indians  in  a  clufter; 

Men  but  in  ihape  and  name,  of  valour  none 

Moft  fit/  to  blunt  the  Swords  of  Macedon. 

Two  hundred  fifty  thoufand  by  account, 

Of  Horfe  and  Foot  his  Army  did  amount; 

For  in  his  multitudes  his  truft  fbill  lay, 

But  on  their  fortitude  he  had  fmall  flay; 

Yet  had  fome  hope  that  o'n  the  fpacious  w  plain, 

His  numbers  might  the  vi6lory  obtain. 

*  For  to  be  call'd.  t  Now. 

«  For  no  man  to  refift  his  valour  fhowes  ;         v  Fit  for.         w  that  eeven. 


The  Four  Monarchies.  263 

About  this  time  Darius  beautious  Queen, 

Who  had  fore  *  travail  and  much  forrow  feen, 

Now  bids  the  world  adue,  with  pain^  being  fpent, 

Whofe  death  her  Lord  full  fadly  did  lament/ 

Great  Alexander  mourns  as  well  as  he, 

The  more  becaufe  not  fet  at  liberty ;* 

When  this  fad  news  (at  firft  Darius  hears, 

Some  injury  was  offered  he  fears: 

But  when  inform'd  how  royally  the  King, 

Had  ufed  her,  and  hers,  in  every  thing, 

He  prays  the  immortal  Gods  they  would  reward  [136] 

Great  Alexander  for  this  good  regard; 

And  if  they  down  his  Monarchy  will  throw, 

Let  them  on  him  this  dignity  beflow. 

And  now  for  peace  he  fues  as  once  before, 

And  offers  all  he  did  and  Kingdomes  more; 

His  eldeft  daughter  for  his  princely  bride, 

(Nor  was  fuch  match  in  all  the  world  beiide) 

And  all  thofe  Countryes  which  (betwixt)  did  lye 

Phanijian  Sea,  and  great  Euphrates  high: 

With  fertile  Egypt  and  rich  Syria, 

And  all  thofe  Kingdomes  in  lefs  AJia. 

With  thirty  thoufand  Talents  to  be  paid, 

For  the  Queen  Mother,  and  the  royal  maid ; 

And  till  all  this  be  well  performed,  and  fure, 

Ochus  his  Son  for  Hoftage  mould b  endure. 

x  long.  y  her  time. 

And  leaves  her  wofull  Lord  for  to  lament. 
•*  For  this  loft  Queen  (though  in  captivity) 
*  Son  a  hoftage  mail. 


264  Anne  Bradft  reefs  Works. 

To  this  llout  Alexander  gives  no  ear, 

No  though  Parmenio  plead,  yet  will  not  hear; 

Which  had  he  done,  (perhaps)  his  fame  he'd  kept, 

Nor  Infamy  had  wak'd,  .when  he  had  flept, 

For  his  unlimited  profperity 

Him  boundlefs  made  in  vice  and  Cruelty. 

Thus  to  Darius  he  writes  back  again, 

The  Firmament,  two  Suns  cannot  contain. 

Two  Monarchyes  on  Earth  cannot  abide, 

Nor  yet  two  Monarchs  in  one  world  relide; 

The  afflicted  King  finding  him  fet  to  jar, 

Prepares  againfl  to  morrow,  for  the  war, 

Parmenio ',  Alexander,  wifht  that  night, 

To  force  his  Camp,  fo  vanquifh  them  by  flight/ 

For  tumult  in  the  night d  doth  caufe  moft  dread,  [137] 

And  weaknefs  of  a  Foe  is  covered, 

But  he  difdain'd  to  fteal  a  vi6lory: 

The  Sun  fhould  witnefs  of  his  valour  be, 

And  carelefs  in  his  bed,  next  morne  he  lyes, 

By  Captains  twice  is  call'd  before  hee'l  rife, 

The  Armyes  joyn'd  a  while,  the  Perjians  fight, 

And  fpilt  the  Greeks  fome  bloud  before  their  flight 

But  long  they  flood  not  e're  they're  forc'd  to  run, 

So  made  an  end,  As  foon  as  well  begun/ 

Forty  five  thoufand  Alexander  had, 

But  is  not  known  what  flaughter  here  was  made, 

,  0 

c  fo  put  them  all  to  flight ;  d  dark. 

e  Instead  of  this  and  the  five  preceding  lines,  the  first  edition  has,  — 

Both  Armies  meet,  Greeks  fight,  the  Per/tans  run, 

So  make  an  end,  before  they  well  begun ; 


The  Four  Monarchies.  265 

Some  write  th'  other  had  a  million,  fome  more, 

But  Quintus  Curtius  as  before/ 

At  Arbela  this  victory  was  gain'd, 

Together  with  *  the  Town  alfo  obtain'd ; 

Darius  flript  of  all  to  Media  came, 

Accompan'ed  with  forrow,  fear,  and  mame, 

At  Arbela  left  his  Ornaments  and  Treafure, 

Which  Alexander  deals  as  fuits  his  pleafure. 

This  conqueror  to  Babylon  then  goes,* 

Is  entertain'd  with  joy  and  pompous  fhowes/ 

With  fhowrs  of  flours  the  llreets  along  are  ftrown, 

And  incenfe  burnt  the  filver  Altars  on. 

The  glory  of  the  Cafble  he  admires, 

The  ftrong  Foundation7'  and  the  lofty  Spires, 

In  this,  a  world  k  of  gold  and  Treafure  lay, 

Which  in  few  hours  was  carried  all  away. 

With  greedy  eyes  he  views  this  City  round, 

Whofe  fame  throughout  the  world  was  fo  renownd 

And  to  poflefs  he  counts  no  little  blifs  [T3^] 

The  towres  and  bowres  of  proud  Semiramis, 

Though  worne  by  time,  and  rac'd /  by  foes  full  fore, 

Yet  old  foundations  fhew'd  and  fomewhat  more. 

With  all  the  pleafures  that  on  earth  are  m  found, 

This  city  did  abundantly  abound, 

Where  four  and  thirty  dayes  he  now  did  ilay, 

And  gave  himfelf  to  banqueting  and  play: 

/  as  was  faid  before.        g  And  now  with  it,         k  now  goes  to  Babylon, 
«  train.       /  The  firme  foundations,         k  mane.         /  raz'd.        **  was. 


34 


266  Anne  Bradftreef s  Works. 

He  and  his  fouldiers  wax  effeminate, 

And  former  difcipline  begin  to  hate. 

Whilft  revelling  at  Babylon  he  lyes, 

Antipater  from  Greece  fends  frefh  *  fupplyes. 

He  then  to  Shujhan0  goes  with  his  new^  bands, 

But  needs  no  force,  tis  rendred  to  his  hands. 

He  likewife  here  a  world  of  treafure  found; 

For  'twas  the  feat  of  Per/Ian  Kings  renownd. 

Here  flood  the  royal  Houfes  of  delight, 

Where  Kings  have  mown  their  glory  wealth  and  might 

The  fumptuous  palace  of  Queen  EJlherq  here, 

And  of  good  Mordicai,  her  kinfman  dear, 

Thofe  purple  hangings,  mixt  with  green  and  white 

Thofe  beds  of  gold,  and  couches  of  delight. 

And  furniture  the  richeft  in  all  lands, 

Now  fall  into  the  Macedonians  hands. 

From  Shujhan  to  Perfepolis  he  goes, 

Which  news  doth  ftill  augment  Darius  woes. 

In  his  approach  the  governour  fends  word, 

For  his  receipt  with  joy  they  all  accord, 

With  open  gates  the  wealthy  town  did  Hand, 

And  all  in  it  was  at  his  high  command. 

Of  all  the  Cities  that  on  earth  was  found,  [X39] 

None  like  to  this  in  riches  did  abound : 

Though  Babylon  was  rich  and  Shujhan  too 

Yet  to  compare  with  this  they  might  not  doe: 

Here  lay  the  bulk  of  all  thofe  precious  things 

That  did  pertain  unto  the  Perjian  Kings : 

»  great.  «  "  Stt/kan"  here  and  elsewhere,  in  the  first  edition. 

P  frefh.  q  Hefter. 


The  Four  Monarchies.  267 

For  when  the  fouldiers  rifled  had  their  pleafure, 

And  taken  money  plate  and  golden  treafure, 

Statues  fome r  gold,  and  filver  numberlefs, 

Yet  after  all,  as  floryes  do  exprefs 

The  fhare  of  Alexander  did  amount 

To  an  hundred  thoufand  talents  by  account. 

Here  of  his  own  he  fets  a  Garifon, 

(As  firft  at  ShuJJian  and  at  Babylon) 

On  their  old  Governours  titles  he  laid, 

But  on  their  faithfulnefs  he  never  itaid, 

Their  place s  gave  to  his  Captains  (as  was  *  juft) 

For  fuch  revolters  falfe,  what  King  can*  truft? 

The  riches  and  the  pleafures  of  this  town 

Now  makes  this  King  his  virtues*  all  to  drown, 

That  wallowing v  in  all  licentioufnefs, 

In  pride  and  cruelty  to  high  ™  excefs. 

Being  inflam'd  with  wine  upon  a  feafon,  ' 

Filled  with  madnefs,  and  quite  void  of  reafon, 

He  at  a  bold  proud  *  ftrumpets  leud  defire, 

Commands  to  fet  this  goodly  town  on  fire. 

Parmenio  wife  intreats  him  to  delift 

And  layes  before  his  eyes  if  he  perfift 

His  fames y  difhonour,  lofs  unto  his  ftate, 

And  juft  procuring  of  the  Per/tans  hate : 

But  deaf  to  reafon,  bent  to  have  his  will,  [H0] 

Thofe  ftately  ftreets  with  raging  flame  did  fill. 

Then  to  Darius  he  directs  his  way, 

Who  was  retir'd  as  far  as z  Media, 

r  of.        *  charge.         *  moft.       «  Prince  will.        v  He  walloweth  now, 
w  to  th'  higheft.  *  bafe.        y  names.  *  and  gone  to. 


268  Anne  Bradftreet'' s  Works. 

And  there  with  forrows,  fears  &  cares  furrounded 

Had  now  his  army  fourth  and  laft  compounded. 

Which  forty  thoufand  made,  but  his  intent 

Was  thefe  a  in  Baftria  foon  b  to  augment: 

But  hearing  Alexander  was  fo  near, 

Thought  now  this  once  to  try  his  fortunes  here, 

And  rather  chofe  an  honourable  death, 

Then  ftill  with  infamy  to  draw  his  breath: 

But  BeJJus  falfe,  who  was  his  chief  Commander 

Perfwades  him  not  to  fight  with  Alexander. 

With  fage  advice  he  fets  c  before  his  eyes 

The  little  hope  of  profit  like  to  rife: 

If  when  he'd  multitudes  the  day  he  loft, 

Then  with  fo  few,  how  likely  to  be  croft. 

This  counfel  for  his  fafety  he  pretended, 

But  to  deliver  him  to's  foe  intended. 

Next  day  this  treafon  to  Darius  known 

Tranfported  fore  with  grief  and  paffion, 

Grinding  his  teeth,  and  plucking  off  his  hair, 

Sate  overwhelmed  with  forrow  and  difpair: 

Then  bids  his  fervant  Artabafus  true, 

Look  to  himfelf,  and  leave  him  to  that  crew, 

Who  was  of  hopes  and  comforts  quite  bereft, 

And  by  his  guard  and  Servitors  all  left. 

Straight  BeJJus  comes,  &  with  his  trait'rous  hands 

Layes  hold  on's  Lord,  and  binding  him  with  bands 

Throws  him  into  a  Cart,  covered  with  hides,       [141] 

Who  wanting  means  t?  refift  thefe  wrongs  abides, 

«  ftraight  b  thefe. 


The  Four  Monarchies.  269 

Then  draws  the  cart  along  with  chains  of  gold, 

In  more  defpight  the  thraled  prince  to  hold, 

And  thus  t'ward^  Alexander  on  he  goes, 

Great  recompence  for  this/  he  did  propofe: 

But  fome  detefting  this  his  wicked  fa<5t, 

To  Alexander  flyes  and  tells7  this  a6t, 

Who  doubling  of  his  march,  polls  on  amain, 

Darius  from  that*"  traitors  hands  to  gain. 

Beffus  gets  knowledg  his  difloyalty 

Had  Alexanders  wrath  incenfed  high, 

Whofe  army  now  was  almoft  within  fight, 

His  hopes  being  dafht  prepares  himfelf  for  flight: 

Unto  Darius  firft  he  brings  a  horfe, 

And  bids  him  fave  himfelf  by  fpeedy  courfe: 

The  wofull  King  his  courtefie  refufes, 

Whom  thus  the  execrable  wretch  abufes, 

By  throwing  darts  gave  him  his  mortal  wound, 

Then  flew  his  Servants  that  were  faithfull  found, 

Yea  wounds  the  beafts  that  drew  him  unto  death, 

And  leaves  him  thus  to  gafp  out  his  laft  breath. 

Beffus  his  partner  in  this  tragedy, 

Was  the  falfe  Governour  of  Media. 

This  done,  they  with  their  hoft  foon  fpeed  away, 

To  hide  themfelves  remote  in  BaElria. 

Darius  bath'd  in  blood,  fends  out  his  groans, 

Invokes  the  heav'ns  and  earth  to  hear  his  moans: 

His  loft  felicity  did  grieve  him  fore, 

But  this  unheard  of  treachery'*  much  more: 

d  to.         e  in's  thoughts,         /  fly,  and  told.        g  thofe.         k  injury. 


270  Anne  Bradftreet^s  Works. 

But*  above  all,  that  neither  Ear  nor  Eye  [J42] 

Should  hear  nor  fee  his  dying  y  mifery; 

As  thus  he  lay,  Poliftrates  a  Greek, 

Wearied  with  his  long  march,  did  water  feek, 

So  chanc'd  thefe  bloudy  Horfes  to  efpy, 

Whofe  wounds  had  made  their  skins  of  purple  dye 

To  them  repairs  then  k  looking  in  the  Cart, 

Finds  poor  Darius  pierced  to  the  heart, 

Who  not  a  little  chear'd  to  have  fome  eye, 

The  witnefs  of  this  horrid  Tragedy;7 

Prays  him  to  Alexander  to  commend 

The  juft  revenge  of  this  his  woful  end : 

And  not  to  pardon  fuch  difloyalty, 

Of  Treafon,  Murther,  and  bafe  Cruelty. 

If  not,  becaufe  Darius  thus  did  pray, 

Yet  that  fucceeding  Kings  in  fafety  may 

Their  lives  enjoy,  their  Crowns  and  dignity, 

And  not  by  Traitors  hands  untimely  dye. 

He  alfo  fends  his  humble  thankfulnefs, 

For  all  the  Kingly  grace  he  did  exprefs; 

To's  Mother,  Children  dear,  and  wife  now  gone. 

Which  made  their  long  reltraint  feem  to  be  none : 

Praying  the  immortal  Gods,  that  Sea  and  Land 

Might  be  fubje6ted  to  his  royal  hand, 

And  that  his  Rule  as  far  extended  be, 

As  men  the  riling,  fetting  Sun  mall  fee, 

This  faid,  the  Greek  for  water  doth  intreat, 

To  quench  his  thirft,  and  to  allay  his  heat: 

*  Yea.        >  groans,  and.         *  he  goes,  and.         I  of  his  dying  mifery  : 


The  Four  Monarchies.  271 

Of  all  good  things  (quoth  he)  once  in  my  power, 

I've  nothing  left,  at  this  my  dying  hour; 

Thy  fervice™  and  companion  to  reward,  [X43] 

But  Alexander  will,  for  this  regard.* 

This  faid,  his  fainting  breath  did  fleet  away, 

And  though  a  Monarch  late,0  now  lyes  like  clay; 

And^  thus  muft  every  Son  of  Adam  lye, 

Though  Gods  on  Earth  like  Sons  of  men  they^  dye. 

Now  to  the  Eaft,  great  Alexander  goes, 

To  fee  if  any  dare  his  might  oppofe, 

For  fcarce  the  world  or  any  bounds  thereon, 

Could  bound  his  boundlefs  fond  Ambition; 

Such  as  fubmits  again  he  doth  reftore 

Their  riches,  and  their  honours  he  makes  more, 

On  Art ab aces  more  then  all  beftow'd, 

For  his  fidelity  to's  Mafter  fhow'd. 

Thaleftris  Queen  of  th'  Amazons  now  brought 

Her  Train  to  Alexander,  (as  'tis  thought.) 

Though  moft  r  of  reading  befl  and  foundeil  mind, 

Such  Country  there,  nor  yet  fuch  people  find. 

Then  tell  her  errand,  we  had  better  fpare 

To  th?  ignorant,  her  title  will s  declare : 

As  Alexander  in  his  greatnefs  grows, 

So  dayly  of  his  virtues  doth  he  lofe. 

He  bafenefs  counts,  his  former  Clemency, 

And  not  befeeming  fuch  a  dignity; 

His  pail  fobriety  doth  alfo  bate/ 

As  moft  incompatible  to  his  State; 

. 

»*  pitty.  *  Wherefore  the  gods  requite  thy  kinde  regard. 

°  once.         P  Yea.         f  fhall.         r  fome.          *  may.          <  hate. 


272  Anne  Bradftreefs  Works. 

His  temperance  is  but  a  fordid  thing, 

No  wayes  becoming  fuch  a  mighty  King; 

His  greatnefs  now  he  takes  to  reprefent 

His  fancy'd  Gods  above  the  Firmament. 

And  fuch  as  fhew'd  but  reverence  before,  [T44] 

Now  are  commanded  ftrictly  to  adore; 

With  Perjian  Robes  himfelf  doth  dignifie, 

Charging  the  fame  on  his  nobility, 

His  manners  habit,  geftures,  all  did  *  fafhion 

After  that  conquer'd  and  luxurious  Nation. 

His  Captains  that  were  virtuoufly  inclined, 

Griev'd  at  this  change  of  manners  and  of  mind. 

The  ruder  fort  did  openly  deride, 

His  feigned  Diety  and  foolilh  pride; 

The  certainty  of  both  comes  to  his  Ears, 

But  yet  no  notice  takes  of  what  he  hears : 

With  thofe  of  worth  he  ftill  defires  efteem, 

So  heaps  up  gifts  his  credit  to  redeem 

And  for  the  reft  new  wars  and  travails  v  finds, 

That  other  matters  might  take  up  their  minds, 

And  hearing  Beffus,  makes  himfelf  a  King, 

Intends  that  Traitor  to  his  end  to  bring.™ 

Now  that  his  Hoft  from  luggage  might  be  free, 

And  with  his  burthen  no  man  burthened  be; 

Commands  forthwith  each  man  his  fardle  bring, 

Into  the  market  place  before  the  King; 

Which  done,  fets  fire  upon  thofe  goodly  •*  fpoyles, 

The  recompence  of  travails0  wars  and  toyles. 

«  now  doth.  v  travels. 

w  Intends  with  fpeed,  that  Traitor  down  to  bring;  *  coftly. 


The  Four  Monarchies.  273 

And  thus  unwifely  in  a  mading^  fume, 

The  wealth  of  many  Kingdomes  did*  confume, 

But  marvell  'tis  that  without  mutiny, 

The  Souldiers  mould  let  pafs  this  injury; 

Nor  wonder  lefs  to  Readers  may  it  bring, 

Here  to  obferve  the  rafhnefs  of  the  King. 

Now  with  his  Army  doth  he  poft*  away  [T45] 

Falfe  Beffus  to  find  out  in  Battria  : 

But  much b  diftreft  for  water  in  their  march, 

The  drought  and  heat  their  bodies  fore  didc  parch. 

At  length  they  came  to  th'  river  Oxus  brink, 

Where  fo  d  immoderately  thefe  thirfty  drink, 

Which '  more  mortality  to  them  did  bring, 

Then  all  their7  warrs  againft  the  Perjian  King. 

Here  Alexander^  almoft  at  a  ftand, 

To  pafs  the  River  to  g  the  other  land. 

For  boats  here's  none,  nor  near  it  any  wood, 

To  make  them  Rafts  to  waft  them  o're  the  flood : 

But  he  that  was  refolved  in  his  mind, 

Would  without  means  fome  *  tranfportation  find. 

Then  from  the '  Carriages  the  hides  he  takes, 

And  Huffing  them  with  ftraw,  he  bundles  makes. 

On  thefe  together  ti'd,  in  fix  dayes  fpace, 

They  all  pafs  over  to  the  other  place. 

y  one  raging.  *  Cities  doth.  «  haft.  1>  fore. 

c  much  doth.  d  moft.  *  This.  /  did  their. 

g  How  to  paffe  over,  and  gaine. 

h  Would  by  fome  means  a.  *  So  from  his. 


35 


274  Anne  Bradft  reefs  Works. 

Had  Beffus  had  but  valour  to  his  will, 

With  little  pain  there  might  have  kept  them  ftill:-7' 

But  Coward  durft  not  fight,  nor  could  he  fly, 

Hated  of  all  for's  former  treachery, 

Is  by  his  own  now  bound  in  iron  chains, 

A  Coller  of  the  fame,  his  neck  contains. 

And  in  this  fort  they  rather  drag  then  bring 

This  Malefa6tor  vile  *  before  the  King, 

Who  to  Darius  brother  gives  the  wretch, 

With  racks  and  tortures  every  limb  to  flretch. 

Here  was  of  Greeks  a  town  in  Battria, 

Whom  Xerxes  from  their  Country  led  away, 

Thefe  not  a  little  joy'd,  this  day  to  fee, 

Wherein  their  own  had  got  the  fov'raignty' 

And  now  reviv'd,  with  hopes  held  up  their  head 

From  bondage  long  to  be  Enfranchifed. 

But  Alexander  puts  them  to  the  fword 

Without  leaf!  caufe  from  m  them  in  deed  or  word ; 

Nor  Sex,  nor  age,  nor  one,  nor  other  fpar'd, 

But  in  his  cruelty  alike  they  fhar'd: 

Nor  reafon  could  he  give  for  this  great  wrong, 

But  that  they  had  forgot  their  mother  tongue. 

While  thus  fome  time  he  fpent  in  Battria, 

And  in  his  camp  ftrong  and  fecurely  lay, 

Down  from  the  mountains  twenty  thoufand  came 

And  there  moft  fiercely  fet  upon  the  fame : 

Repelling  thefe,  two  marks  of  honour  got 

Imprinted  in  his*  leg,  by  arrows  mot. 

»  He  eafily  might  have  made  them  ftay  there  ftil ;  *  vild. 

I  had  foveraignity.          *«  Without  caule,  given  by.  «  deep  in's. 


The  Four  Monarchies.  275 

The  Baftrians  againft  him  now  rebel; 

But  he  their  flubbornefs  in  time  °  doth  quell. 

From  hence  he  to  Jaxartis  River  goes. 

Where  Scythians  rude  his  army^  doth  oppofe, 

And  with  their  outcryes  in  an  hideous  fort 

Befet  his  camp,  or  military  court, 

Of  darts  and  arrows,  made  fo  little  fpare, 

They  flew  fo  thick,  they  feem'd  to  dark  the  air: 

But  foon  his  fouldiers q  forc'd  them  to  a  flight, 

Their  r  nakednefs  could  not  endure  their  might. 

Upon  this  rivers  bank  in  feventeen  dayes 

A  goodly  City  doth  compleatly  raife, 

Which  Alexandria  he  doth  like  wife s  name, 

And  fixty  furlongs  could  but'  round  the  fame. 

A"  third  Supply  Antipater  now  fent,  [147] 

Which  did  his  former  forces2'  much  augment; 

And  being  one  hundred  twenty  thoufand  ftrong; 

He  enters  then  the  Indian  Kings  among: 

Thofe  that  fubmit,  he  gives  them  rule  again,™ 

Such  as  do  not,  both  them  and  theirs  are  flain. 

His  warrs  with  fundry  nations  Fie  omit, 

And  alfo  of  the  Mallians  what  is  writ. 

His  Fights,  his  dangers,  and  the  hurts  he  had, 

How  to  fubmit  their  necks  at  laft  they're  glad.-* 

o  full  foone.  P  valour.  9  the  Grecians.  r  Whofe. 

J  alfo.          *  not.          «  His.          »  Army.         w  he  doth  reftore  again. 
x  Instead  of  this  and  the  three  preceding  lines,  the  first  edition  has,  — 

To  age,  nor  fex,  no  pitty  doth  exprefie, 

But  all  fall  by  his  fword,  moft  mercileffe. 


276  Anne  Bradftreet^s  Works. 

To  Nifa  goes  by  Bacchus  built  long  lince, 

Whofe  feafts  are  celebrated  by  this  prince; 

Nor  had  that  drunken  god  one  who  would  take 

His  Liquors  more  devoutly  for  his  fake. 

When  thus  ten  days  his  brain  with  wine  he'd  foakt, 

And  with  delicious  meats  his  palate  choakt: 

To  th'  River  Indus  next  his  courfe  he  bends, 

Boats  to  prepare,  Epheftion  firft  he  fends. 

Who  coming  thither  long  before  his  Lord, 

Had  to  his  mind  made  all  things  to  accord, 

The  vefTels  ready  were  at  his  command, 

And  Omphis  King  of  that  part  of  the  land, 

Through  his  perfwafion  Alexander  meets, 

And  as  his  Sov'raign  Lord  him  humbly  greets 

Fifty  fix  Elephants  he  brings  to's  hand, 

And  tenders  him  the  ftrength  of  all  his  land; 

Prefents  himfelf  firft y  with  a  golden  crown, 

Then  eighty  talents  to  his  captains  down: 

But  Alexander  made z  him  to  behold 

He  glory  fought,  no  filver  nor  no  gold; 

His  prefents  all  with  thanks  he  did  reilore, 

And  of  his  own  a  thoufand  talents  more. 

Thus  all  the  Indian  Kings  to  him  fubmit, 

But  Porus  flout,  who  will  not  yeild  as  yet: 

To  him  doth  Alexander  thus  declare, 

His  pleafure  is  that  forthwith  he  repair 

Unto  his  Kingdomes  borders,  and  as  due, 

His  homage  to  himfelf  *  as  Soveraign  doe: 

y  there.  *  caus'd.  a  unto  him. 


The  Four  Monarchies.  277 

But  kingly  Porus  this  brave  anfwer  fent, 

That  to  attend  him  there  was  his  intent, 

And  come  as  well  provided  as  he  could, 

But  for  the  reft,  his  fword  advife  him  mould. 

Great  Alexander  vext  at  this  reply, 

Did  more  his  valour  then  his  crown  envy, 

Is  now  refolv'd  to  pafs  Hydafpes  flood, 

And  there  by  force  his  foveraignty  make  good. 

Stout  Porus  on  the  banks  doth  ready  ftand b 

To  give  him  welcome  c  when  he  comes  to  land. 

A  potent  army  with  him  like  a  King, 

And  ninety  Elephants  for  warr  did  bring: 

Had  Alexander  fuch  reliftance  feen 

On  Tygris  fide,  here  now  he  had  not  been. 

Within  this  fpacious  River  deep  and  wide 

Did  here  and  there  Ifles  full  of  trees  abide. 

His  army  Alexander  doth  divide 

With  Ptolemy  fends  part  to  th'  other  fide; 

Porus  encounters  them  and  thinks  all's  there, 

When  covertly  the  reft  get  o're  elfe  where, 

And  whilft  the  firft  he  valiantly  affail'd, 

The  laft  fet  on  his  back,  and  fo  prevailed. 

Yet  work  enough  here  Alexander  found,  [X49] 

For  to  the  laft  ftout  Porus  kept  his  ground : 

Nor  was't  difhonour  at  the  length  to  yield, 

When  Alexander  ftrives  to  win  the  field. 

*  And  there  his  Soveraignty  for  to  make  good ; 

But  on  the  banks  doth  Porus  ready  ftand, 
c  For  to  receive  him, 


278  Anne  Bradftreefs  Works. 

The  kingly  Captive  'fore  the  Vigor's  brought, 

In  looks  or  gefbure  not  abafed  ought, 

But  him  a  Prince  of  an  undaunted  mind 

Did  Alexander  by  his  anfwers  find:  d 

His  fortitude  his  royal '  foe  commends, 

Reftores  him  and  his  bounds  farther  extends. 

Now  eaftward  Alexander  would  goe  ftill, 

But  fo  to  doe  his  fouldiers  had  no  will, 

Long  with  exceffive  travails  wearied, 

Could  by  no  means  be  farther  drawn  or  led, 

Yet  that  his  fame  might  to  poilerity 

Be  had  in  everlailing  memory, 

Doth  for  his  Camp  a  greater  circuit  take, 

And  for  his  fouldiers  larger  Cabbins  make. 

His  mangers-^  he  erected  up  fo  high 

As  never  horfe  his  Provender  could  eye. 

Huge  bridles  made,  which  here  and  there  he  left, 

Which  might  be  found,  and  for  great  wonders  kept 

Twelve  altars  then  for  monuments  he  rears, 

Whereon  his  acts  and  travels  long  appears. 

But  doubting  wearing  time  might s  thefe  decay, 

And  fo  his  memory  would  *  fade  away, 

He  on  the  fair  Hydafpes  pleafant  fide, 

Two  Cities  built,  his  name'  might  there  abide, 

Firft  Nicea,  the  next  Bucephalon, 

Where  he  entomb'd  his  ftately  Stalion. 

d  This  and  the  three  preceding  lines  are  not  in  the  first  edition. 
'  Kingly.  /  Maungers.  g  would. 

k  might.  *  fame. 


The  Four  Monarchies.  279 


His  fourth  and  laft  fupply  was  hither  fent, 

Then  down-'  Hydaspes  with  his  Fleet  he  went; 

Some  time  he  after  fpent  upon  that  more, 

Whether  Ambafladors,  ninety  or  more/ 

Came  with  fubmiffion  from  the  Indian  Kings, 

Bringing  their  prefents  rare,  and  precious  things, 

Thefe  all  he  feafts  in  ftate  on  beds  of  gold, 

His  Furniture  moft  fumptuous  to  behold; 

His  meat  &  drink,  attendants,  every  thing, 

To  th'  utmoft  fhew'd  the  glory  of  a  King. 

With  rich  rewards  he  fent  them  home  again, 

Acknowledged  their  Mailers  fovereign; 

Then  failing  South,  and  coming  to  that  more, 

Thofe  obfcure  Nations  yielded  as  before: 

A  City  here  he  built,  call'd  by  his  Name, 

Which  could  not  found  too  oft  with  too  much  fame 

Then  failing  by  the  /  mouth  of  Indus  floud, 

His  Gallyes  ftuck  upon  the  flats  m  and  mud; 

Which  the  ftout  Macedonians  amazed  fore, 

Depriv'd  at  once  the  ufe  of  Sail  and  Oar: 

Obferving  well  the  nature  of  the  Tide, 

In  thofe  their  fears  *  they  did  not  long  abide. 

Faffing  fair  Indus  mouth  his  courfe  he  fteer'd 

To  th'  coaft  which  by  Euphrates  mouth  appear'd; 

Whofe  inlets  near  unto,  he  winter  fpent, 

Unto  his  ftarved  Souldiers  fmall  content, 

j  down  t'.  k  Where  one  hundred  Embaffadours,  or  more, 

I  Hence  fajling  down  by  th'.  »»  fand.  *  Upon  thofe  Flats. 


280  Anne  Bradft  reefs  Works. 

By  hunger  and  by  cold  fo  many  flain, 

That  of  them  all  the  fourth  did  fcarce  remain. 

Thus  winter,  Souldiers,  and  provilions  fpent, 

From  hence  he  then  unto  Gedrojia  went. 

And  thence  he  marcht  into  Carmania,  [ISI] 

And  fo  at  length  drew  near  to  Per/ia, 

Now  through  thefe  goodly  Countryes  as  he  paft, 

Much  time  in  feafts  and  ryoting  did  wafte; 

Then  vifits  Cyrus  Sepulchre  in's  way, 

Who  now  obfcure  at  P affagardis  lay: 

Upon  his  Monument  his  Robe  *  he  fpread, 

And  fet  his  Crown  on  his  fuppofed  head. 

From  hence  to  Babylon,  fome  time  there  fpent, 

He  at  the  laft  to  royal  Shujhan  went; 

A  wedding  Feaft  to's  Nobles  then  he  makes, 

And  Statyra,  Darius  daughter  takes, 

Her  Sifter  gives  to  his  Epheftian  dear, 

That  by  this  match  he  might  be  yet  more  near; 

He  fourfcore  Perjlan  Ladies  alfo  gave, 

At  this  fame  time  unto  his  Captains  brave : 

Six  thoufand  guefts  unto  this  Feaft  invites, 

Whofe  Sences  all  were  glutted  with  delights. 

It  far  exceeds  my  mean  abilities 

To  Ihadow  forth  thefe  fhort  felicities, 

Spectators  here  could  fcarce  relate  the  ftory, 

They  were  fo  rapt^  with. this  external  glory: 

If  an  Ideal  Paradife  a  man  would  frame, 

He  might  this  Feaft  imagine  by  the  fame; 

°  Robes.  /  wrapt. 


The  Four  Monarchies.  281 

To  every  guefs  9  a  cup  of  gold  he  fends, 

So  after  many  dayes  the  Banquet  ends. 

Now  Alexanders  conquefls  all  are  done, 

And  his  long  Travails  r  pail  and  overgone; 

His  virtues  dead,  buried,  and  quite J  forgot, 

But  vice  remains  to  his  Eternal  blot. 

'Mongft  thofe  that  of  his  cruelty  did  tail,  [X52] 

Philotiis  was  not  leaft,  nor  yet  the  laft, 

Accus'd  becaufe  he  did  not  certifie 

The  King  of  treafon  and  confpiracy: 

Upon  fufpition  being  apprehended, 

Nothing  was  prov'd  t  wherein  he  had  offended 

But  lilence,  which  *  was  of  fuch  confequence, 

He  was  judg'd  guilty  of  the  fame  offence,'' 

But  for  his  fathers  great  deferts  the  King 

His  royal  pardon  gave  for  this  foul w  thing. 

Yet  is  Phylotas  unto  judgment  brought, 

Mult  fuffer,  not  for  what  is  prov'd,*  but  thought. 

His  mailer  is  accufer,  judge  and  King, 

Who  to  the  height  doth  aggravate  each  thing, 

Inveighs  againil  his  father  now  abfent, 

And's  brethren  who  for  him  their  lives  had  fpent. 

But  Philotas  his  unpardonable  crime, 

No^  merit  could  obliterate,  or  time: 

He  did  the  Oracle  of  Jove z  deride, 

By  which  his  Majefty  was  diefi'd. 

9  Gueft.  r  travells.  *  all.  t  found.  «  guilt. 

v  His  death  deferv'd,  for  this  fo  high  offence.  «  fame. 
x  what  he  did.                                 y  Which  no.  *  lufiter. 

36 


282  Anne  Bradftreefs  Works. 

Philotas  thus  o'recharg'd  with  wrong  and  grief 

Sunk  in  defpair  without  hope  of  Relief, 

Fain  would  have  fpoke  and  made  his  own  defence, 

The  King  would  give  no  ear,  but  went  from  thence 

To  his  malicious  Foes  delivers  him, 

To  wreak  their  fpight  and  hate  on  every  limb. 

Philotas  after  him  fends  out  this  cry, 

O  Alexander,  thy  free  clemency 

My  foes  exceeds  in  malice,  and  their  hate 

Thy  kingly  word  can  ealily  terminate. 

Such  torments  great  as  wit  could  worft"  invent,  [153] 

Or  flefh  and  life  could  bear,  till  both  were  fpent 

Were  now  inflicted  on  Parmenio^s  fon 

He  might b  accufe  himfelf,  as  they  had  done, 

At  laft  he  did,  fo  they  were  juftifi'd, 

And  told  the  world,  that  for  his  guilt c  he  di'd. 

But  how  thefe  Captains  mould,  or  yet  their  mailer 

Look  on  Parmenio,  after  this  difafher 

They  knew  not,  wherefore  beft  now  to  be  done, 

Was  to  difpatch  the  father  as  the  fon. 

This  found  advice  at  heart  pleas'd  Alexander, 

Who  was  fo  much  ingag'd  to  this  Commander, 

As  he  would  ne're  confefs,  nor  yetrf  reward, 

Nor  could  his  Captains  bear  fo  great  regard : 

Wherefore  at  once,  all  thefe  to  fatisfie, 

It  was  decreed  Parmenio  fhould  dye : 

Polidamus,  who  feem'd  Parmenio^  friend 

To  do  this  deed  they  into  Media  fend: 

«  firft.  b  For  to.  c  for  defert.  d  could. 


The  Four  Monarchies.  283 

He  walking  in  his  garden  to  and  fro, 

Fearing*  no  harm,  becaufe  he  none  did  doe,7 

Mofb  wickedly  was  {lain  without  lead  crime, 

(The  moil  renowned  captain  of  his  time) 

This  is  Parmenio  who  fo  much  had  done 

For  Philip  dead,  and  his  furviving  fon, 

Who  from  a  petty  King  of  Macedon 

By  him  was  fet  upon  the  Perjian  throne, 

This  that  Parmenio  who  ftill  overcame, 

Yet  gave  his  Matter  the  immortal  fame, 

Who  for  his  prudence,  valour,  care  and  truft 

Had  this  reward,  moft  cruel  and  unjuft. 

The  next,  who  in  untimely  death  had  part,  [TS4j 

Was  one  of  more  efteem,  but  lefs  defert;^ 

Clitus  belov'd  next  to  Epheftian, 

And  in  his  cups  his  chief  companion; 

When  both  were  drunk,  Clitus  was  wont  to  jeer, 

Alexander  to  rage,  to  kill,  and  fwear; 

Nothing  more  pleaiing  to  mad  Clitus  tongue, 

Then's  Matters  Godhead  to  defie  and  wrong; 

Nothing  toucht  Alexander  to  the  quick, 

Like  this  againft  his  Diety  to  kick: 

Both  at  a  Feaft  when  they  had  tippled  well, h 

Upon  this  dangerous  Theam  fond  Clitus  fell; 

From  jeft  to  earneft,  and  at  laft  fo  bold, 

That  of  Parmenio's  death  him  plainly  told. 

Which  Alexanders  wrath  incens'd  fo  high, 

Nought  but  his  life  for  this  could  fatisfie ; 

*  Thinking.  /  owe.  g  defart. 

h  Upon  a  time,  when  both  had  drunken  well, 


284  Anne  Bradft  reefs  Works. 

From  one  flood  by  he  fnatcht  a  partizan, 

And  in  a  rage  him  through  the  body  ran/' 

Next  day  he  tore  his  face  for  what  he'd  done, 

And  would  have  flain  himfelf  for  Clitus  gone: 

This  pot  Companion  he  did  more  bemoan, 

Then  all  the  wrongs  to  brave  Parmenio  done. 

The  next  of  worth  that  fuffered  after  thefe, 

Was  learned,  virtuous,  wife  Califthenes, 

Who  lov'd  his  Mailer  more  then  did  the  reft, 

As  did  appear,  in  flattering  him  the  leaft; 

In  his  efteem  a  God  he  could  not  be, 

Nor  would  adore  him  for  a  Diety: 

For  this  alone  and  for  no  other  caufe, 

Againft  his  Sovereign,  or  againft  his  Laws, 

He  on  the  Rack  his  Limbs  in  pieces  rent,  [I55] 

Thus  was  he  tortnr'd  till  his  life  was  fpent. 

Of  this  unkingly  acV  doth  Seneca 

This  cenfure  pafs,  and  not  unwifely  fay, 

Of  Alexander  this  th'  eternal  crime, 

Which  fhall  not  be  obliterate  by  time. 

Which  virtues  fame  can  ne're  redeem  by  far, 

Nor  all  felicity  of  his  in  war. 

When  e're  'tis  faid  he  thoufand  thoufands  flew, 

Yea,  and  Califthenes  to  death  he  drew. 

The  mighty  Perjlan  King  he  overcame, 

Yea,  and  he  kill'd  Calijlthenes  of  fame/ 

*  Instead  of  this  and  the  three  preceding-  lines,  the  first  edition  has,  — 
Alexander  now  no  longer  could  containe, 
But  inftantly  commands  him  to  be  flaine ; 

'  deed-  *b  j  name. 


The  Four  Monarchies.  285 

All  Countryes,  Kingdomes,  Provinces,  he  wan 
From  Hellifpont,  to  th'  fartheft  Ocean. 

All  this  he  did,  who  knows'  not  to  be  true? 

. 
But  yet  withal,  Catifthenes  he  flew. 

From  Macedon,  his  Empire  did  extend 

Unto  the  utmonV  bounds  o'  th'  orient: 

All  this  he  did,  yea,  and  much  more,  'tis  true, 

But  yet  withal,  Catifthenes  he  flew. 

Now  Alexander  goes  to  Media, 

Finds  there  the  want  of  wife  Parmenio\ 

Here  his  chief  favourite  Ephejlian  dies, 

He  celebrates  his  mournful  obfequies:™ 

Hangs  his  Phyfitian,  the  Reafon  why 

He  fuffered,  his  friend  Ephejlian  dye/' 

This  act  (me-thinks)  his  Godhead  fhould  a  fhame, 

To  punifh  where  himfelf  deferved  blame; 

Or  of  neceffity  he  muft  imply, 

The  other  was  the  greater!  Diety. 

The  Mules  and  Horfes  are  for  forrow  fhorne, 

The  battlements  from  off  the  walls  are  torne. 

Of  fbately  Ecbatane  who  now  muft  fhew, 

A  rueful  face  in  this  fo  general  woe; 

Twelve  thoufand  Talents  alfo  did  intend, 

Upon  a  fumptuous  monument  to  fpend: 

I  furthefi:. 
»*  After  this  the  first  edition  has,  — 

For  him  eredls  a  ftately  Monument, 

Twelve  thoufand  Tallents  on  it  franckly  fpent; 

»  Becaufe  he  let  Epheftion  to  dye. 


286  Anne  Bradftreefs  Works. 

What  e're  he  did,  or  thought  not  fo  content, 

His  meflenger  to  Jupiter  he  fent, 

That  by  his  leave  his  friend  Epheftion, 

Among  the  Demy  Gods  they  might  inthrone/7 

From  Media  to  Babylon  he  went, 

To  meet  him  there  t'  Antipater  he'd  fent, 

That  he  might  act  alfo^  upon  the  Stage, 

And  in  a  Tragedy  there  end  his  age. 

The  Queen  Olimpias  bears  him  deadly  hate, 

Not  fuffering  her  to  meddle  with  the  State, 

And  by  her  Letters  did  her  Son  incite, 

This  great  indignity  he  fhould^  requite; 

His  doing  fo,  no  whit  difpleaf 'd  the  King, 

Though  to  his  Mother  he  difprov'd  the  thing. 

But  now  Antipater  had  liv'd  fo  long, 

He  might  well  dye  though  he  had  done  no  wrong; 

His  fervice  great  is  fuddenly  forgot, 

Or  if  remembred,  yet  regarded  not: 

The  King  doth  intimate  'twas  his  intent, 

His  honours  and  his  riches  to  augment: 

Of  larger  Provinces  the  rule  to  give, 

And  for  his  Counfel  near  the  King  to  live. 

So  to  be  caught,  Antipater^  too  wife, 

Parmemo's  death's  too  frefh  before  his  eyes; 

He  was  too  fubtil  for  his  crafty  foe.         .  [T57] 

Nor  by  his  baits  could  be  infnared  fo : 

But  his  excufe  with  humble  thanks  he  fends, 

His  Age  and  journy  long  he  then  pretends; 

*  This  and  the  nine  preceding  lines  are  not  in  the  first  edition. 
/  might  next  now  a&.  g  for  to. 


The  Four  Monarchies.  287 

And  pardon  craves  for  his  unwilling  ftay, 

He  fhews  his  grief,  he's  forc'd  to  difobey. 

Before  his  Anfwer  came  to  Babylon, 

The  thread  of  Alexanders  life  was  fpun; 

Poyfon  had  put  an  end  to's  dayes  ('twas  thought) 

By  Philip  and  Caffander  to  him  brought, 

Sons  to  Antipater,  and  bearers  of  his  Cup, 

Left  of  fuch  like  their  Father  chance  to  fup; 

By  others  thought,  and  that  more  generally, 

That  through  exceffive  drinking  he  did  dye: 

The  thirty  third  of 's  Age  do  all  agree, 

This  Conquerour  did  yield  to  deftiny. 

When  this  fad  news  came  to  Darius  Mother, 

She  laid  it  more  to  heart,  then  any  other, 

Nor  meat,  nor  drink,  nor  comfort  would  me  take, 

But  pin  d  in  grief  till  life  did  her  forfake; 

All  friends  me  fhuns,  yea,  bammed  the  light, 

Till  death  inwrapt  her  in  perpetual  night/ 

This  Monarchs  fame J  muft  laft  whilft  world  doth'ftand, 

And  Conquefts  be  talkt  of  whileft  there  is  land; 

His  Princely  qualities  had  he  retain'd, 

Unparalled  for  ever  had  remain'd. 

But  with  the  world  his  virtues  overcame, 

And  fo  with  black  beclouded,  all  his  fame; 

Wife  Ariflotle  Tutor  to  his  youth. 

Had  fo  inftru6ted  him  in  moral  Truth: 

The  principles  of  what  he  then  had  learn'd 

Might  to  the  laft  (when  fober)  be  difcern'd. 

»•  This  and  the  five  preceding  lines  are  not  in  the  first  edition. 
*  Whole  famous  Afts.  *  lhall. 


288  Anne  Bradftreet^s  Works. 

Learning  and  learned  men  he  much  regarded, 

And  curious  Artift*  evermore  rewarded: 

The  Illiads  of  Homer  he  Hill  kept. 

And  under's  pillow  laid  them  when  he  flept. 

Achilles  happinefs  he  did  envy, 

'Caufe  Homer  kept  his  acts  to  memory. 

Profufely  bountifull  without  defert, 

For  fuch  as  v  pleas'd  him  had  both  wealth  and  heart 

Cruel  by  nature  and  by  cufbome  too, 

As  oft  his  acts  throughout  his  reign  doth  fhew: 

Ambitious  fo,  that  nought  could  fatiffie,™ 

Vain,  thirfting  after  immortality, 

Still  fearing  that  his  name  might  hap  to  dye, 

And  fame  not  laft  unto  eternity. 

This  Conqueror  did  oft  lament  (tis  laid) 

There  were  no  more  worlds  to  be  conquered. 

This  folly  great  Auguftus  did  deride, 

For  had  he  had  but  wifdome  to  his  pride, 

He  would  had  found  enough  there  to  be  done, 

To  govern  that  he  had  already  won. 

His  thoughts  are  perifht,  he  afpires  no  more, 

Nor  can  he  kill  or  fave  as  heretofore. 

A  God  alive,  him  all  muft  Idolize, 

Now  like  a  mortal  helplefs  man  he  lyes. 

Of  all  thofe  Kingdomes  large  which  he  had  got, 

To  his  Pofberity  remain'd  no  jot; 

0 

For  by  that  hand  which  ftill  revengeth  bloud, 
None  of  his  kindred,  nor  his  race  long  flood: 

«  Artifts.       v  thole  that.       w  More  boundles  in  ambition  then  the  fkie, 


The  Four  Monarchies.  289 

But  as  he  took  delight  much  bloud  to  fpill,  [T59] 

So  the  fame  cup  to  his,  did  others  fill. 

Four  of  his  Captains  now  do  all  divide, 

As  Daniel  before  had  prophyfi'd. 

The  Leopard  down,  the*  four  wings  'gan  to  rife, 

The  great  horn  broke,  the  lefs  did  tyranize.* 

What  troubles  and  contentions  did  enfue 

We  may  hereafter  mew  in  feafon  due. 


Aridceus. 

Alexander  dead,  his  Armyes  left, 
Like  to  that  Giant  of  his  Eye  bereft; 
When  of  his  monftrous  bulk  it  was  the  guide, 
His  matchlefs  force  no  creature  could  abide. 
But  by  Uliffes  having  loft  his  light, 
All  men^  began  fbreight  to  contemn  his  might; 
For  aiming  fbill  amifs,  his  dreadful  blows 
Did  harm  himfelf,  but  never  reacht  his  Foes. 
Now  Court  and  Camp  all  in  confuiion  be, 
A  King  they'l  have,  but  who,  none  can  agree; 
Each  Captain  wifht  this  prize  to  bear  away, 
But  none  fo  hardy  found  as  fo  durft  fay: 
Great  Alexander  did  leave z  IfTue  none, 
Except  by  Artabafus  daughter  one; 

-*  his.         *  Dan.  vii.6;  viii.  8,  22.          y  Each  man.  z  had  left. 

37 


290  Anne  Bradft reefs  Works. 

And  Roxane  fair  whom  late  he  married, 

Was  near  her  time  to  be  delivered. 

By  natures  right  these  had  enough  to  claim, 

But  meanefs  of  their  mothers  bar'd  the  fame, 

Alledg'cl  by  thofe  who  by  their  fubtile  Plea 

Had  hope  themfelves  to  bear  the  Crown  away. 

A  Sifter  Alexander  had,  but  me 

Claim'd  not,  perhaps,  her  Sex  might  hindrance  be 

After  much  tumult  they  at  lafh  proclaim'd 

His  bafe  born  brother  Aridczus  nam'd, 

That  fo  under  his  feeble  wit  and  reign, 

Their  ends  they  might  the  better  ilill  attain. 

This  choice  Perdiccas  vehemently  difclaim'd, 

And  Babe  unborn  of  Roxane  he  proclaimed; 

Some  wifhed  him  to  take  the  ftyle  of  King, 

Becaufe  his  Mailer  gave  to  him  his  Ring, 

And  had  to  him  ftill  lince  Epheftion  di'd 

More  then  to  th'  reft  his  favour  teftifi'd. 

But  he  refus'd,  with  feigned  modefty, 

Hoping  to  be  ele6l  more  generally. 

He  hold  on  this  occalion  mould  have  laid, 

For  fecond  offer  there  was  never  made. 

'Mongft  thefe  contentions,  tumults,  jealoufies, 

Seven  dayes  the  corps  of  their  great  mafter  lies 

Untoucht,  uncovered  flighted  and  neglected, 

So  much  these  princes  their  own  ends  refpe6led: 

A  Contemplation  to  aftonifh  Kings, 

That  he  who  late  pofleft  all  earthly  things, 


The  Four  Monarchies.  291 

And  yet  not  fo  content  unlefs  that  he 

Might  be  efteemed  for  a  Diety; 

Now  lay  a  Spectacle  to  teftifie, 

The  wretchednefs  of  mans  mortality. 

After  fome  a  time,  when  ftirs  began  to  calm, 

His  body  did  the  Egyptians  embalme ;  * 

His  countenance  fo  lively  did  appear, 

That  for  a  while  they  durft  not  come  fo  near: 

No  iign  of  poyfon  in  his  intrails  found/ 

But  all  his  bowels  coloured,  well  and  found. 

Perdiccas  feeing  Arideus  muft  be  King, 

Under  his  name  began  to  rule  each  thing. 

His  chief  Opponent  who  Control'd  his  fway, 

Was  Meleager  wrhom  he  would  take  away/ 

And  by  a  wile  he  got  him  in  his  power, 

So  took  his  life  unworthily  that  hour. 

Ufing  the  name,  and  the  command  of  th'  King 

To  authorize  his  a6ls  in  every  thing. 

The  princes  feeing  Perdiccas  power  and  pride, 

For  their  fecurity  did  now  provide/ 

Antigonus  for  his  mare  AJia  takes, 

And  Ptolemy  next  fure  of  Egypt  makes : 

Seleucus  afterward  held  Babylon, 

Antipater  had  long  ruFd  Macedon. 

a-  this.  b  The  next  two  lines  are  not  in  the  first  edition. 

c  On  which,  no  figne  of  poyfon  could  be  found, 
d  His  chief  opponents  who  kept  off  the  Crown, 

Was  ftiffe  Meleager,  whom  he  would  take  down. 
t  Thought  timely  for  themfelves,  now  to  provide. 


292  Anne  Bradftreef's  Works. 

Thefe  now  to  govern  for  the  king  pretends, 

But  nothing  lefs  each  one  himfelf  intends. 

Perdiccas  took  no  province  like  the  reft, 

But  held  command  of  th'  Army  (which  was  beft) 

And  had  a  higher  project  in  his  head, 

His  Mafters  lifter  fecretly  to  wed:7 

So  to  the  Lady,  covertly^  he  fent, 

(That  none  might  know,  to  fruftrate  his  intent) 

But  Cleopatra  this  Suitor  did  deny, 

For  Leonatus  more  lovely  in  her  eye, 

To  whom  me  fent  a  meffage  of  her  mind, 

That  if  he  came  good  welcome  he  mould  find. 

In  thefe  tumultuous  dayes  the  thralled  Greeks, 

Their  Ancient  Liberty  afrefh  now  feeks. 

And  gladly  would  the  yoke  make  off,  laid  on  *     [162] 

Sometimes  by*  Philip  and  his  conquering  fon. 

The  Athenians  force  Antipaterto  fly 

To  Lamia  where  he  fhut  up  doth  lye. 

To  brave  Craterus*  then  he  fends  with  fpeed 

For  fuccours  to  relieve  k  him  in  his  need. 

The  like  of  Leonatus  he  requires, 

(Which  at  this  time  well  fuited  his  deiires) 

For  to  Antipater  he  now  might  goe, 

His  Lady  take  in  th'  way,  and  no  man  know. 

Antiphilus  the  Athenian  General 

With  fpeed  his  Army'  doth  together  call; 

/  Which  was  his  Mafters  lifter  for  to  wed  :  K  fecretly. 

h  Shakes  oft  the  joke,  fometimes  before  laid  on.  *  By  warlike. 

J    Craterus.  k  To  come  and  to  releafe.  I  forces. 


Monarchies. 


And  Leonatus  feeks  to  flop,™  that  fo 

He  joyne  not  with  Antipater  their  *  foe. 

The  Athenian  Army  was  the  greater  far, 

(Which  did  his  Match  with  Cleopatra  mar) 

For  fighting  Hill,  while  there  did  hope  remain 

The  valiant  Chief  amidil  his  foes  was  flain. 

'Mongfl  all  the  princes'7  of  great  Alexander 

For  perfonage,  none  like  to  this  Commander. 

Now  to  Antipater  Craterus  goes, 

Blockt  up  in  Lamia  fhill  by  his  foes, 

Long  marches  through  Cilicia  he  makes, 

And  the  remains  of  Leonatus  takes: 

With  them  and  his  he  into  Grecia  went, 

Antipater  releas'd  from  prifonment: 

After  which  time  the  Greeks  did  never  more 

Acl:  any  thing  of  worth,  as  heretofore: 

But  under  fervitude  their  necks  remain'd, 

Nor  former  liberty  or  glory  gain'd. 

Now  di'd  about  the  end  of  th'  Lamian  war 

DemoftkeneS)  that  fweet-tongue'd  Orator/ 

Who  fear'd  Antipater  would  take  his  life 

For  animating  the  Athenian  ftrife: 

To  end  his  dayes  by  poifon  rather  chofe 

Then  fall  into  the  hands  of  mortal  foes. 

Craterus  and  Antipater  now  joyne, 

In  love  and  in  affinity-  combine, 

™  Striving  to  ftop  Leonatus,  «  that. 

P  The  next  four  lines  are  not  in  the  first  edition. 


293 


Captains. 


294  Anne  Bradft reefs  Works. 

Craterus  doth  his  daughter  Phila  r  wed 

Their  friendfhip  might  the  more  be  ftrengthened. 

Whilft  they  in  Macedon  do  thus  agree, 

In  AJla  they  all  afunder  be. 

Perdiccas  griev'd  to  fee  the  princes  bold 

So  many  Kingdomes  in  their  power  to.  hold, 

Yet  to  regain  them,  how  he  did  not  know, 

His *  fouldiers  'gainft  thofe  captains  would  not  goe 

To  fufFer  them  go  on  as  they  begun, 

Was  to  give  way  himfelf  might  be  undone. 

With  Antipater  to  joyne  he  fometimes  thought, 

That  by  his  help,  the  reft  might  low  be  brought, 

But  this  again  diilikes;  he  would  remain, 

If  not  in  ftile/  in  deed  a  foveraign;* 

(For  all  the  princes  of  great  Alexander 

Acknowledged  for  Chief  that  old  Commander) 

Delires  the  King  to  goe  to  Macedon, 

Which  once  was  of  his  Ancefbors  the  throne, 

And  by  his  prefence  there  to  nullifie 

The  a6ts  of  his  Vice-Roy  v  now  grown  fo  high. 

Antigonus  of  treafon  firft  attaints, 

And  fummons  him  to  anfwer  his  w  complaints. 

This  he  avoids,  ancj  mips  himfelf  and  fon,  [x 

goes  to  Antipater  and  tells  what's  done. 

He  and  Craterus,  both  with  him  do  joyne, 

And  'gainft  Perdiccas  all  their  ftrength  combine. 

r  Phifa.  s  For's.  *  word. 

*  The  next  two  lines  are  not  in  the  first  edition. 
v  Vice-royes,  «/  thefe. 


The  Four  Monarchies.  295 

Brave  Ptolemy,  to  make  a  fourth  then  fent 

To  fave  himfelf  from  danger  imminent.* 

In  midft  of  thefe  garboyles,  with  wondrous  ftate 

His  maflers  funeral  doth  celebrate: 

In  Alexandria  his  tomb  he  plac'd, 

Which  eating  time  hath  fcarcely  yet  defac'd/ 

Two  years  and  more,  fince  natures  debt  he  paid, 

And  yet  till  now  at  quiet  was  not  laid. 

Great  love  did  Ptolemy  by  this  act  gain, 

And  made  the  fouldiers  on  his  lide  remain. 

Perdiccas  hears  his  foes  are  all2  combined, 

'Gainft  which  to  goe,  is  not  refolv'd  in  mind.* 

But  firfh  'gainft  Ptolemy  he  judg'd  was  beft/ 

Neer'fl  unto  him,  and  farther!  from  the  reft, 

Leaves  Eumenes  the  Afean  Coafh  to  free 

From  the  invafions  of  the  other  three, 

And  with  his  army  unto c  Egypt  goes 

Brave  Ptolemy  to  th'  utmoft  to  oppofe. 

Perdiccas  furly  cariage,  and  his  pride 

Did  alinate  the  fouldiers  from  his  fide. 

But  Ptolemy  by  affability 

His  fweet  demeanour  and  his  courtelie, 

Did  make  his  own,  firm  to  his  caufe  remain, 

And  from  the  other  fide  did  dayly  gain. 

•*  dangers  eminent; 

y  At  Alexandria,  in  sEgypt  Land, 

His  fumptuous  monument  long  time  did  ftand ; 
2  now.  a  is  troubled  in  his  minde ; 

*  With  Ptolomy  for  to  begin  was  beft.  c  into. 


296  Anne  Bracift  reefs   Works. 

Perdiccas  in  his  pride  did  ill  intreat 
Python  of  haughty  mind,  and  courage  great. 
Who  could  not  brook  fo  great  indignity, 
But  of  his  wrongs  his  friends  doth  certifie; 
The  fouldiers  'gainft  Perdiccas  they  incenfe. 
Who  vow  to  make  this  captain  recompence, 
And  in  a  rage  they  rufh  into  his  tent/ 
Knock  out  his  brains :  to  Ptolemy  then  went 
And  offer  him  his  honours,  and  his  place, 
With  ftile  of  the  Protestor,  him  to  grace/ 
Next  day  into  the  camp  came  Ptolemy, 
And  is  receiv'd  of  all  moil  joyfully. 
Their  proffers  he  refus'd  with  modefhy, 
Yields  them  to  Python  for  his  courtefie/ 
With  what  he  held  he  was  now  more^  content, 
Then  by  more  trouble  to  grow  eminent. 
Now  comes  there  news  of  a  great  victory 
That  Eumenes  got  of  the  other  three. 
Had  it  but  in  Perdiccas  life  ariv'd, 
With  greater  joy  it  would  have  been  receiv'd. 
Thus  Ptolemy  rich  Egypt  did  retain, 
And  Python  turn'd  to  AJla  again. 
Whilft  Perdiccas  encamp'd  h  in  Affrica, 
Antigonus  did  enter  Afea, 

d  Instead  of  this  and  the  six  preceding  lines,  the  first  edition  has,  — 
Pitkon,  next  Perdicas,  a  Captaine  high, 
Being  entreated  by  him  fcornfullj, 
Some  of  the  Souldiers  enters  Perdiccfs  tent, 

e  would  him  grace ;  f  Confers  them  Pithon  on,  for's  courtefie ; 

£•  well.  *  thus  ftaid. 


The  Four  Monarchies.  297 

And  fain  would  Eiimenes  draw  to  their  fide, 

But  he  alone  moil i  faithfull  did  abide: 

The  other  all  had  Kingdomes  in  their  eye, 

But  he  was  true  to's  mailers  family, 

Nor  could  Craterus,  whom  he  much  did  love. 

From  his  fidelity  once  make  him  move: 

Two  Battles  fought,  and  had  of  both  the  belt/ 

And  brave  Craterus  flew  among  the  reft: 

For  this  fad^  ftrife  he  poures  out  his  complaints,  [166] 

And  his  beloved  foe  full  fore  laments. 

I  mould  but  fnip  a  ftory  into  bits' 

And  his  great  Aclis  and  glory  much  eclipfe, 

To  fhew  the  dangers  Eumenes  befel,w 

His  ftratagems  wherein  he  did  excel: 

His  Policies,  how  he  did  extricate 

Himfelf  from  out  of  Lab'rinths  intricate : n 

He  that  at  large  would  fatiffie  his  mind, 

In  Plutarchs  Lives  his  hiftory  may  find. 

For  all  that  mould  be  faid,  let  this  fuffice, 

He  was  both  valiant,  faithfull,  patient,  wife. 

Python  now  chofe  Protector  of  the  ftate, 

His  rule  Queen  Euridice  begins  to  hate, 

Sees  *  Arrideus  muft  not  King  it  long, 

If  once  young  Alexander  grow  more  ftrong, 

•  now.  j  Two  battells  now  he  fought,  and  had  the  beft, 
k  great.  I  verfe. 

»*  And  much  eclipfe  his  glory  to  rehearfe 
The  difficulties  Eumenes  befell, 

*  The  next  two  lines  are  not  in  the  first  edition.  »  Perceives. 

38 


298  Anne  Bradftreefs   Works. 

But  that  her  hufband  ferve  for  fupplement, 

To  warm  his^  feat,  was  never  her  intent. 

She  knew  her  birth-right  gave  her  Macedon, 

Grand-child  to  him  who  once  fat  on  that  throne 

Who  was  Perdiccas,  Philips  eld  eft q  brother, 

She  daughter  to  his  fon,  who  had  no  other.r 

Pythons  commands/  as  oft  me  countermands ; 

What  he  appoints,  me  purpofely  withftands. 

He  wearied  out  at  laft  would  needs  be  gone, 

Relign'd  his  place,  and  fo  let  all  alone: 

In's  room2'  the  fouldiers  chofe  Antipater, 

Who  vext  the  Queen  more  then  the  other  far." 

From  Macedon  to  Aria  he  came, 

That  he  might  fettle  matters  in  the  fame. 

He  plac'd,  difplac'd,  control'd  rul'd  as  he  lift,       [167] 

And  this  no  man  durft  queftion  or  reliftj 

For  all  the  nobles  of  King  v  Alexander 

Their  bonnets  vail'd  to  him  as  chief  Commander. 

P  the.  q  elder. 

r  After  this  the  first  edition  has,  — 

Her  mother  Cyna  filter  to  Alexander, 
Who  had  an  Army,  like  a  great  Commander. 
Ceria  the  Phrigian  Qjaeen  for  to  withftand, 
And  in  a  Battell  flew  her  hand  to  hand ; 
Her  Daughter  fhe  instructed  in  that  Art, 
Which  made  her  now  begin  to  play  her  part; 

s  She  ever.  t  flead. 

*  The  next  two  lines  are  not  in  fhe  first  edition. 

v  Princes  of  great. 


The  Four  Monarchies.  299 

When  to  his  pleafure  all  things  they  had  done, 

The  King  and  Queen  he  takes  to  Macedon™ 

Two  ions  of  Alexander,  and  the  reft, 

All  to  be  order'd  there  as  he  thought  beft. 

The  Army  to  Antigonus  doth  leave, 

And  Goverment  of  Afia  to  him  gave. 

And  thus  Antipater  the  ground- work  layes, 

On  which  Antigonus  his  height  doth  raife, 

Who  in  few  years,  the  reft  fo  overtops, 

For  univerfal  Monarchy  he  hopes. 

With  Eumenes  he  diverfe  Battels  fought, 

And  by  his  flights  to  circumvent  him  fought: 

But  vain  it  was  to  ufe  his  policy, 

'Gainft  him  that  all  deceits  could  fcan  and  try/] 

In  this  Epitome  too  long  to  tell 

How  finely  x  Eumenes  did  here  excell, 

And  by  the  felf  fame  Traps  the  other  laid, 

He  to  his  coft  was  righteoufly  repaid/ 

But  while  thefe  Chieftains  doe  in  Afia  fight, 

To  Greece  and  Macedon  lets  turn  our  fight. 

When  great  Antipater  the  world  muft  leave, 

His  place  to  Polifperchon  did  bequeath,2 

Fearing  his  fon  Caffander  was  unftaid, 

Too  rafh  a  to  bear  that  charge,  if  on  him  laid. 

w  Acknowledged  for  chief,  this  old  Commander : 

After  a  while,  to  Macedon  he  makes ; 

The  King,  and  Queen,  along  with  him  he  takes. 
x  neatly.          y  The  next  two  lines  are  not  in  the  first  edition. 
2  Now  great  Antipater,  the  world  doth  leave 

To  Polifperchon,  then  his  place  he  gave,  ^  young. 


300  Anne  Bradft  reefs  Works. 

Antigonus  hearing  of  his  deceafe 

On  moil  part  of  Affyria  doth  feize. 

And  Ptolemy  next  to  incroach  begins, 

All  Syria  and  Phenicia  he  wins, 

Then  Polifperchon  'gins  to  a£t  in's  place, 

Recalls  Olimpias  the  Court  to  grace. 

Antipater  had  banifh'd  her  from  thence 

Into  Epire  for  her  great  turbulence ; 

This  new  Protector's  of  another  mind, 

Thinks  by  her  Majefly  much  help  to  find. 

Cajfander  like  his  Father  could  not  fee, 

This  Polifperchons  great  ability, 

Slights  his  Commands,  his  actions  he  difclaims, 

And  to  be  chief  *  himfelf  now  bends  his  aims; 

Such  as  his  Father  had  advanc'd  to  place, 

Or  by  his  favours  any  way  had  graced 

Are  now  at  the  devotion  of  the  Son, 

Preft  to  accomplim  what  he  would  have  done; 

Belides  he  was  the  young  Queens  favourite, 

On  whom  (t'was  thought)  me  fet  her  chief  delight 

Unto  thefe  helps  at  home c  he  feeks  out  more, 

Goes  to  Antigonus  and  doth  implore, 

By  all  the  Bonds  'twixt  him  and's  Father  pafl, 

And  for  that  great  gift  which  he  gave  him  lafb. 

By  thefe  and  all  to  grant  him  fome  fupply, 

To  take  down  Polifperchon  grown  fo  high; 

For  this  Antigonus  did  need  no  fpurs, 

Hoping  to  gain  yet  more  by  thefe  new  ftirs, 

I'  great.  c  in  Greece, 


The  Four  Monarchies. 

Streight  furninVd  him  with  a  fufficient  aid/ 
And  fo  he  quick  returns  thus  well  appaid, 
With  Ships  at  Sea,  an  Army  for  the  Land, 
His  proud  opponent  hopes  foon  to  withftand. 
But  in  his  abfence  Polifperckon  takes 
Such  friends  away  as  for  his  Intereft  makes 
By  death,  by  prifon,  or  by  banifhment, 
That  no  fupply  by  thefe  here  might  be  lent, 
Caffander  with  his  Hofb  to  Grecia  goes, 
Whom  Polifperchon  labours  to  oppofe; 
But  beaten  was  at  Sea,  and  foil'd  at  Land, 
Caffanders  forces  had  the  upper  hand, 
Athens  with  many  Towns  in  Greece  befide, 
Firm  (for  his  Fathers  fake)  to  him  abide/ 
Whil'fh  hot  in  wars  thefe  two  in  Greece  remain, 
Antigonus  doth  all  in  AJia  gain; 
Still  labours  Eumenes,  would-^  with  him  fide, 
But  all  in  vain/  he  faithful  did  abide: 
Nor  Mother  could,  nor  Sons  of  Alexander, 
Put  truft  in  any  but  in  this  Commander. 

d  Instead  of  the  next  seven  lines,  the  first  edition  has,  — 
Cajfander  for  return  all  fpeed  now  made : 
Polifferchon,  knowing  he  did  relye 
Upon  thofe  friends,  his  father  rais'd  on  high, 
Thofe  abfent,  banifhed,  or  elfe  he  flew 
All  fuch  as  he  fufpedled  to  him  true. 
e  But  had  the  worft  at  Sea.  as  well  as  Land, 
And  his  opponent  ftill  got  upper  hand, 
Athens,  with  many  Townes  in  Greece  befides, 
Firme  to  Cajfander  at  this  time  abides  : 
/  might.  £•  But  to  the  laft. 


301 


302  Anne  Bradftreefs  Works. 

The  great  ones  now  began  to  fhew  their  mind, 

And  act  as  opportunity  they  find. 

Aridczus  the  fcorn'd  and  fimple  King, 

More  then  he  bidden  was  could  a<5t  no  thing. 

Polifperckon  for  office  hoping  long, 

Thinks  to  inthrone  the  Prince  when  riper  grown; 

Euridice  this  injury  difdains, 

And  to  Caffandar  of  this  wrong  complains. 

Hateful  the  name  and  houfe  of  Alexander, 

Was  to  this  proud  vindicative  C offender  \ 

He  Hill  kept  lockt^  within  his  memory, 

His  Fathers  danger,  with  his  Family; 

Nor  thought2  he  that  indignity  was-7  fmall, 

When  Alexander  knockt  his  head  to  th'  wall. 

Thefe  with  his  love  unto  the  amorous  Queen,       C1?0] 

Did  make  him  vow  her  fervant  to  be  feen. 

Olimpias,  Aridceus  deadly  hates, 

As  all  her  Husbands,  Children  by  his  mates, 

She  gave  him  poyfon  formerly  ('tis  thought) 

Which  damage  both  to  mind  and  body  brought; 

She  now  with  Polifperchon  doth  combine, 

To  make  the  King  by  force  his  Seat  refigne : 

And  her  young  grand-child  in  his  State  inthrone,^ 

That  under  him,  me  might  rule,  all  alone. 

For  aid  me  goes  f  Epire  among  her  friends, 

The  better  to  accomplim  thefe  her  ends; 

Euridice  hearing  what  me  intends, 

In  hafte  unto  her  friend l  Cajfander  fends, 

*•  frefh.  *  counts.          /  but.  *  Nephew  in  his  ftead  t'  inthrone, 

/  deare. 


The  Four  Monarchies.  303 

To  leave  his  fiege  at  Tegea™  and  with  fpeed, 
To  fave  the  King  and  her  in  this  their  need:  * 
Then  by  intreaties,  promifes  and  Coyne, 
Some  forces  did  procure  with  her  to  joyn. 
Olimpias  foon"  enters  Macedon, 
The  Queen  to  meet  her  bravely  marches  on, 
But  when  her  Souldiers  faw  their  ancient  Queen, 
Calling  to  mind^  what  fometime  me  had  been; 
The  wife  and  Mother  of  their  famous  Kings, 
Nor  darts,  nor  arrows,  now  none  moots  or  flings/ 
The  King  and  Queen  feeing  their  defbiny, 
To  fave  their  lives  t'  Amphipolis  do  fly; 
But  the  old  Queen  purfues  them  with  her  hate, 
And  needs  will  have  their  lives  as  well  as  State: 
The  King  by  extream  torments  had  his  end, 
And  to  the  Queen  thefe  prefents  fhe  did  fend; 
A  Halter,  cup  of  poyfon,  and  a  Sword, 
Bids  chufe  her  death,  fuch  kindnefs  fhe'l  afford. 
The  Queen  with  many  a  curfe,  and  bitter  check, 
At  length  yields  to  the  Halter  her  fair  neck; 
Praying  that  fatal  day  might  quickly  hafte, 
On  which  Olimpias  of  the  like  might  tafte. 
This  done  the  cruel  Queen  refts  not  content, 
'Gainfl  all  that  lov'd  Caffander  fhe  was  bent;  r 

™  Tag-fa.  *  To  come  and  fuccour  her,  in  this  great  need; 

o  now.  p  Remembring. 

9  Instead  of  the  next  four  lines,  the  first  edition  has,  — 

The  King,  and  Queen,  to  Amphipolis  doe  fly, 

But  foone  are  brought  into  captivity; 
r  Till  all  that  lov'd  Cajfander  was  nigh  fpent; 


304  Anne  Bradftreefs   Works. 

His  Brethren,  Kinsfolk  and  his  chiefeft  friends, 

That  fell s  within  her  reach  came  to  their  ends: 

Dig'd  up  his  brother  dead,  'gainft  natures  right, 

And  threw  his  bones  about  to  fhew  her  fpight: 

The  Courtiers  wondring  at  her  furious  mind, 

Wifht  in  Epire  me  had  been  ftill  confin'd. 

In  Peloponefus  then  Caff  and er  lay, 

Where  hearing  of  this  news  he  fpeeds  away, 

With  rage,  and  with  revenge  he's  hurried  on, 

To  find  this  cruel  *  Queen  in  Macedon\ 

But  being  ftopt,  at  ftreight  Thermopoly, 

Sea  paflage  gets,  and  lands  in  Theffaly\ 

His  Army  he  divides,  fends  poll*  away, 

Polifperchon  to  hold  a  while  in  play; 

And  with  the  reft  Olimpias  purfues, 

For  all  her  cruelty,  to  give  her  dues. 

She  with  the  chief "  o'  th'  Court  to  Pydna  flyes, 

Well  fortifi'd,  (and  on  the  Sea  it  lyes) 

There  by  Caffander  fhe's  blockt  up  fo  long, 

Untill  the  Famine  grows  exceeding  ftrong, 

Her  Couzen  of  Epire  did  what  he  might, 

To  raife  the  Siege,  and  put  her  Foes  to  flight. 

Caffander  is  refolved  there  to  remain,  [J72] 

So  mccours  and  endeavours  proves  but  vain; 

Fain  would  this  wretched  Queen  w  capitulate, 

Her  foe  would  give  no  Ear/  (fuch  is  his  hate) 

s  were.  *  So  goes  to  finde  this.  *  part. 

v  flow'r.  ^  would  fhe  come  now  to. 

x  Cajfander  will  not  heare, 


The  Four  Monarchies. 


The  Souldiers  pinched  with  this  fcarcity, 

By  Health  unto  Caffander  dayly  fly  ; 

Olimpias  means  to  hold  out^  to  the  laft, 

Expecting  nothing  but  of  death  to  tail: 

But  his  occafions  calling  him  away,2 

Gives  promife  for  her  life,  fo  wins  the  day. 

No  fooner  had  Ke  got  her  in  his  hand, 

But  made  in  judgement  her  accufers  Hand; 

And  plead  the  blood  of  friends  and  kindreds  a  fpilt, 

Deiiring  juftice  might  be  done  for  guilt; 

And  fo  was  he  acquitted  of  his  word, 

For  juftice  fake  me  being  put  to  th'  Sword: 

This  was  the  end  of  this  moil  cruel  Queen, 

Whofe  fury  fcarcely  parallel'd  b  hath  been. 

The  daughter,  fifter,  Mother,  Wife  to  Kings, 

But  Royalty  no  good  conditions  brings  \c 

To  Husbands  death  ('tis  d  thought)  me  gave  confent, 

The  murtherer*  fhe  did  fo  much  lament: 

With  Garlands  crown'd  his  head,  bemoan'd  his  fates, 

His  Sword  unto  Apollo  confecrates. 

Her  Outrages  too  tedious  to  relate, 

How  for  no  caufe  but  her  inveterate  hate; 

Her  Husbands  wives7  and  Children  after's  death, 

Some  flew,  fome  fry'd,  of  others  ftopt  the  breath  : 

y  wills  to  keep  it,  *  But  he  unwilling  longer  there  to  ftay, 

«  of  their  deare  Kindred.         *  yet  unparalleld. 
f  After  this  the  first  edition  has,  — 

So  boundlefie  was  her  pride,  and  cruelty, 

She  oft  forgot  bounds  of  Humanity. 

d  'twas.  e  The  Authours  death.  /  Wife. 

39 


306  Anne  Bradft  reefs  Works. 

Now  in  her  Age  fhe's  forc'd  .to  tail  that  Cup, 

Which  {he  had  others  often  made  to  fup. 

Now  many  Towns  in  Macedon  fuppreft,  [T73] 

And  Pellas  fain  to  yield  among  the  reft; 

The  Funerals  Cajfander  celebrates, 

Of  Aridczus  and  his  Queen  with  State: 

Among  their  Anceftors  by  him  they're  laid, 

And  mews  of  lamentation  for  them  made. 

Old  Thebes  he  then  rebuilt  fo  much  of  fame, 

And  Caffandria  rais  d  after  his  name. 

But  leave  him  building,  others  in  their  Urne, 

Let's  for  a  while,  now  into  AJia  turn. 

True  Eumenes  endeavours  by  all  Skill, 

To  keep  Antigonus  from  ShuJJian  ftill; 

Having  command  o'th'  Treafure  he  can  hire, 

Such  as  no  threats,  nor  favour  could  acquire. 

In  divers  Battels  he  had  good  fuccefs, 

Antigonus  came  off  ftill  honourlefs; 

When  Vi6tor  oft  he'd  been,  and  fo  might  ftill, 

Peucejlesg  did  betray  him  by  a  wile. 

T'  Antigonus,  who  tookA  his  Life  unjuft, 

Becaufe  he  never  would  forgo  e  *  his  truft; 

Thus  loft  he  all  for  his  fidelity, 

Striving  t'uphold  his  Mafters  Family. 

But  to  a  period'  as  that  did  hafte, 

So  Eumenes  (the  prop)  of  death  muft  taft; 

e  Penceftas.  h  Antigonus,  then  takes.  *  let  go. 


The  Four  Monarchies.  307 

All  Perjia  now  Antigonus  doth  gain/' 

And  Matter  of  the  Treafure  fole  remain:7 

Then  with  Seleucus  ftreight  at  odds  doth  fall, 

And  he  for  aid  to  Ptolomy  doth  call, 

The  Princes  all  begin  now  to  envy 

Antigonus,  he  growing  up  fo  high; 

Fearing  his  force,*  and  what  might  hap  e're  long,  [174] 

Enters  into  a  Combination  ftrong, 

Seleucus,  Ptolemy,  Caffander  joynes, 

Lyfemachus  to  make  a  fourth  combines: 

Antigonus  delirous  of  the  Greeks, 

To  make  Caffander  odious  to  them  feeks, 

Sends  forth  his  declarations  near  and  far/ 

And  clears  what  caufe  he  had  to  make  this  war,w 

Caffanders  outrages  at  large  doth  tell, 

Shews  his  ambitious  pra&ifes  as  well." 

The  mother  of  their  King  to  death  he'd  put, 

His  wife  and  fon  in  prifon  clofe  had  fhut: 

And  aiming  now  to  make  himfelf  a  king, 

And  that  fome  title  he  might  feem  to  bring, 

Theffalonica  he  had  newly  wed, 

Daughter  to  Philip  their  renowned  head : 

Had  built  and  call'd  a  City  by  his  name, 

Which  none  e're  did,  but  thofe  of  royal  fame : 

*  So  Eumenes  of  deftiny  muft  tafte. 

Antigonus,  all  Perjia  now  gains, 

j  he  remains;  k  their  ftate,  I  declaration  from  a  farre, 

»*  And  mews  what  caufe  they  had  to  take  up  warre. 

n  This  and  the  preceding  line  are  not  in  the  first  edition. 


308  Anne  Bradftreet^s  Works  * 

And  in  defpight  of  their  two  famous  Kings 

Hatefull  Olinthians  to  Greece  rebrings. 

Rebellious  Thebes  he  had  reedified, 

Which  their  late  King  in  duil  had  damnified, 

Requires  them  therefore  to  take  up  their  arms 

And  to  requite  this  traitor  for  these  harms. 

Then  Ptolemy  would  gain  the  Greeks  like  wife, 

And  he  declares  the  others  injuryes:" 

Firft  how  he  held  the  Empire  in  his  hands, 

Seleucus  driven p  from  Goverment  and  lands, 

The  q  valiant  Eumenes  unjuftly  (lain, 

And  Lord  of  royal  Shufhan  r  did  remain ; 

Therefore  requefls5  their  help  to  take  him  down  [175] 

Before  he  wear  the  univerfal  Crown. 

Thefe  princes  at  the  fea  foon  had  a  fight, 

Where  great  Antigonus  was  put  to  flight:  * 

His  fon  at  Gaza  likewife  loft  the  field, 

So  Syria  to  Ptolemy  did  yield: 

And  Seleucus  recovers  Babylon, 

Still  gaining  Countryes  eafbward  he  goes  on. 

Demetrius  with  u  Ptolemy  did  fight, 

And  coming  unawares,  put  him  to  flight; 

But  bravely  fends  the  prifoners  back  again, 

With  all  the  fpoyle  and  booty  he  v  had  tane. 

°  For  he  declares  againft  his  injuries;  P  drove.  <?  Had. 

r  o'  th'  City  SuJIia.  s  So  therefore  craves. 

t  Antigonus  at  Sea  foone  had  a  fight, 

Where  Ptolomy,  and  the  reft  put  him  to  flight; 
«  againe  with.  v  they. 


The  Four  Monarchies.  309 

Courteous  w  as  noble  Ptolemy,  or  more, 

Who  at  Gaza  did  the  like  to  him  before. 

Antigonus  did  much  rejoyce,  his  fon 

With  victory,  his  loft  repute  had  won. 

At  laft  thefe  princes  tired  out  with  warrs, 

Sought  for  a  peace,  and  laid  afide  their  jarrs : 

The  terms  of  their  agreement,  thus  exprefs 

That  each  mould  hold  what  now  he  did  poflefs, 

Till  Alexander  unto  age  was  grown, 

Who  then  mould  be  enftalled  in  the  throne. 

This  toucht  Caffander  fore  for  what  he'd  done, 

Imprifoning  both  the  mother  and  the  *  fon : 

He  fees  the  Greeks  now  favour  their  young  Prince 

Whom  he  in  durance  held,  now,  and  long  lince, 

That  in  few  years  he  muft  be  forc'd  or  glad, 

To  render  up  fuch  Kingdomes  as  he  had; 

Refolves  to  quit  his  fears  by  one  deed  done, 

So  puts^  to  death  the  Mother  and  her  Son. 

This  Roxane  for  her  beauty  all  commend, 

But  for  one  act  me  did,  juft  was  her  end. 

No  fooner  was  great  Alexander  dead, 

But  me  Darius  daughters  murthered. 

Both  thrown  into  a  well  to  hide  her  blot, 

^erdiccas  was  her  Partner  in  this  plot. 

The  heavens  feem'd  flow  in  paying  her  the  fame; 

But  at  the  lafl  the  hand  of  vengeance  came. 

And  for  that  double  fact  which  me  had  done, 

The  life  of  her  mufl  goe,  and  of  her  fon 

w  Curtius,  *  her.  y  And  put. 


3io  Anne  Bradftreet^s  Works. 

Perdiccas  had  before  for  his  amifs, 

But  by  their  hands  who  thought  not  once  of  this. 

Caffanders  deed  the  princes  do  z  deteft, 

But  'twas  in  fhew;  in  heart  it  pleas'd  them  beft. 

That  he  is  odious  to  the  world,  they'r  glad: 

And  now  they  were  free  Lords  of  what  they  had. 

When  this  foul  tragedy  was  pafl  and  done, 

Polyfperchon  brings  the"  other  fon 

CalPd  Hercules,  and  elder  then  his  brother, 

(But  Olimpias  would b  prefer  the  other) 

The  Greeks  toucht  with  the  murther  done  of  late, 

This  Orphan  prince  'gan c  to  compailionate, 

Begin  to  mutter  much  'gainfh  proud  Co/fonder, 

And  place  their  hopes  on  th'  heir  of  Alexander. 

Caffander  fear'd  what  might  of  this  enfue, 

So  Polifperchon  to  his  counfel  drew, 

And  gives  Peloponefus  for  his  hire/ 

Who  flew  the  prince  according  to  defire. 

Thus  was  the  race  and  houfe  of  Alexander 

Extin6l  by  this  inhumane  wretch  Caffander. 

Antigonus,  for  all  this  doth  not  mourn,  [X77] 

He  knows  to's  profit,  this  at  laft*  will  turn, 

But  that  fome  Title  now  he  might  pretend, 

To  Cleopatra  doth  for  marriage  fend; 

Lyjimachus  and  Ptolemy  the  fame, 

And  lewd7  Caffander  too,  flicks  not  for  fhame : 

She  then  in  Lydia  at  Sardis  lay, 

Where  by  Embaffage  all  thefe  Princes  pray. 

s  all.          «  up  the.          b  thought  to.  c  This  Prince  began  for. 

d  Gives  Peloponefus  unto  him  for  hire,  «  all  i'th  end.          /  vile. 


The  Four  Monarchies.  3 1 1 

Choice  above  all,  of  Ptolemy  fhe  makes, 
With  his  Embaffador  her  journy  takes ; 
Antigonus  Lieutenant  ftayes  her  ftill, 
Untill  he  further  know  his  Mafbers  will: 
Antigonus  now  had  a  Wolf  by  th'  Ears, 
To  hold  her  ftill,  or  let  her  go  he  fears. 
Refolves  at  laft  the  Princefs  fhould  be  flain, 
So  hinders  him  of  her,  he  could  not  gain; 
Her  women  are  appointed  for  this  deed, 
They  for  their  great  reward  no  better  fpeed: 
For  by  command,  they  fbreight  were  put  to  death, 
As  vile  Confpirators  that  ftopt^  her  breath. 
And  now  he  hopes/'  he's  order'd  all  fo  well, 
The  world  muft  needs  believe  what  he  doth  tell; 
Thus  Philips  houfe  was  quite  extinguifhed, 
Except  Co/fanciers  wife  who  yet  not  dead. 
And  by  their  means  who  thought  of  nothing  lefs, 
Then  vengeance  jufb,  againft  them z'  to  exprefs ; 
Now  blood  was  paid  with  blood  for  what  was  done 
By  cruel  Father,  Mother,  cruel  Son:y 

&  took.  A  thinks.  *  the  fame. 

j  After  this  the  first  edition  has,  — 

Who  did  erec~t  their  cruelty  in  guilt, 

And  wronging  innocents  whofe  blood  thej  fpilt, 

Philip  and  Olympias  both  were  ilain, 

Aridceus  and  his  Queen  by  {laughters  ta'ne; 

Two  other  children  by  Olympias  kill'd, 

And  Cleopatra's  blood,  now  likewife  fpill'd, 

If  Alexander  was  not  poyfoned, 

Yet  in  the  flower  of 's  age,  he  muft  lie  dead. 

His  wife  and  fons  then  flain  by  this  CaJJluidcr. 

And's  kingdomes  rent  away  by  each  Commander: 


312  Anne  Bradjlreet^s  Works. 

Thus  may  we  hear,  and  fear,  and  ever  fay, 

That  hand  is  righteous  ftill  which  doth  repay. 

Thefe  Captains  now  the  ftile  of  Kings  do  take,    [178] 

For  to  their  Crowns  their's  *  none  can  Title  make;'' 

Demetrius  firft  the  royal  ftile  affum'd, 

By  his  Example  all  the  reft  prefum'd. 

Antigonus  himfelf  to  ingratiate, 

Doth  promife  liberty  to  Athens  State; 

With  Arms  and  with  provifion  ftores  them  well, 

The  better  'gainft  Caffander  to  rebel. 

Demetrius  thether  goes,  is  entertain'd 

Not  like  a  King,  but  like  fome  God  they  feign'd; 

Molt  grofly  bafe  was  their  m  great  Adulation, 

Who  Incenfe  burnt,  and  offered  oblation: 

Thefe  Kings  afrefh  fall  to  their  wars  again, 

Demetrius  of  Ptolemy  doth  gain. 

'Twould  be  an  endlefs  Story  to  relate 

Their  feveral  Battels  and  their  feveral  fate,* 

Their  fights  by  Sea,  their  victories  by  Land, 

How  fome  when  down,  ftraight  got  the  upper  hand 

Antigonus  and  Seleucus  then  fight 

Near  Ephefus,  each  bringing  all  his  °  might, 

And  he  that  Conquerour  fhall  now  remain, 

The  Lordfhip  of  all  AJiap  fhall  retain; 

k  there's. 

I  Instead  of  the  next  seven  lines,  the  first  edition  has,  — 

Demetrius  is  firft,  tha't  fo  affumes, 

To  do  as  he,  the  reft  full  foon  prefumes, 

To  Athens  then  he  goes,  is  entertain'd, 

*»  this.  n  The  next  two  lines  are  not  in  the  first  edition. 

*  their.  />  Of  A/fa  the  Lordfhip. 


The  Four  Monarchies.  313 

This  day  'twixt  thefe  two  Kings q  ends  all  the  ftrife, 

For  here  Antigonus  loft  rule  and  life: 

Nor  to  his  Son,  did  e're  r  one  foot  remain 

Of  thofe  vaft  Kingdomes/  he  did  fometimes  gain. 

Demetmis  with  his  Troops  to  Athens  flyes, 

~ 

Hopes  to  find  fuccours  in  his  miferies;' 

But  they  adoring  in  profperity, 

Now  (hut  their  gates  in  his  adverfity: 

He  forely  griev'd  at  this  his  defperate  State  [T79] 

Tryes  Foes,  fith  u  friends  will  not  compaffionate. 

His  peace  he  then  with  old  Seleucus  makes. 

Who  his  fair  daughter  Stratonica  takes, 

Antiochns,  Seleucus,  dear  lov'd  Son, 

Is  for  this  frem  young  Lady  quite v  undone; 

Falls  fo  extreamly  fick,  all  fear'd  his  life, 

Yet  durft  not  fay,  he  lov'd  his  Fathers  wife, 

When  his  difeafe  the  skill'd  w  Phyfitian  found, 

His  Fathers  mind  he  wittily  did  found, 

Who  did  no  fooner  underftand  the  fame, 

But  willingly  reiign'd  the  beautious  Dame: 

Caffander  now  muft  dye  his  race  is  run, 

And  leaves  the  ill  got  Kingdomes  he  had  won. 

Two  Sons  he  left,  born  of  King  Philips  daughter, 

Who  had  an  end  put  to  their  dayes  by  flaughter; 

Which  mould  fucceed  at  variance  they  fell, 

The  Mother  would,  the  youngeft  might  *  excell: 


q  foes.  r  there.  s  Of  thofe  dominions. 

*  Hoping  to  find  fuccour  in  miferies.  «  fince.  v  half, 

w  skilfull.  *  ihould. 

40 


314  Anne  Bradft  reefs  Works. 

The  elcTft  inrag'd  did  play  the  Vipers  part, 

And  with  his  Sword  did  run  her  through  the  heart \ 

Rather  then  Philips  race  fhould z  longer  live, 

He  whom  fhe  gave  his  life  her  death  fhall a  give. 

This  by  Lyjimacus  was b  after  ilain, 

Whofe  daughter  he  not  long  before  had  ta'ne  ; c 

Demetrius  is  call'd  in  by  th?  youngefb  Son, 

Againfh  Lyjimachus  who  from  him  won. 

But  he  a  Kingdome  more  then's  friend  did  eye, 

Seaz'd  upon  that,  and  flew  him  traitroufly/ 

Thus  Philips  and  Caffanders  race  both  e  gone. 

And  fo  falls  out  to  be  extinct  in  one; 

And7  though  Co/fonder  died  in  his  bed, 

His  Seed  to  be  extirpt,  was  deitined; 

For  blood,  which  was  decre'd  that  he  fhould  fpill, 

Yet  mufb  his  Children  pay  for  Fathers  ill; 

Jehu  in  killing  Akatfs  houfe  did  well, 

Yet.be  aveng'd  muft  blood  of  Jezerek 

Demetrius  thus  Caffander*$  Kingdoms  gains, 

And  now  in  Macedon  as  King  he  reigns;^ 

Though  men  and  mony  both  he  hath  at  will, 

In  neither  finds  content  if  he  fits  Hill: 

That  Seleucus  holds  AJia  grievs  him  fore, 

Thofe  Countryes  large  his  Father  got  before. 

, 

y  did  pierce  his  mothers  heart,  *  child  muft.  *  muft. 

b  foon.  c  unto  wife,  he'd  newly  ta'n. 

d  Instead  of  this  and  the  three  preceding  lines,  the  first  edition  has,  — 

The  youngeft  by  Demetrius  kill'd  in  fight, 

Who  took  away  his  now  pretended  right : 
'  is.  /  Yea.  £•  The  next  two" lines  are  not  in  the  first  edition. 


Th  e  Fo  u  r  Mo  n  a  rch  ies .  315 

Thefe  to  recover,  mufters  all  his  might, 

And  with  his  Son  in  Law  will  needs  go  fight;* 

A  mighty  Navy  rig'd,  an  Army  flout, 

With  thefe  he  hopes  to  turn  the  world  about: 

Leaving  Antigonus  his  eldeft  Son, 

In  his  long  abfence  to  rule  Macedon. 

Demetrius  with  fo  many  troubles  met, 

As  Heaven  and  Earth  againft  him  had  been  fet; 

Difafter  on  diiafter  him  purfue, 

His  ftory  feems  a  Fable  more  then  true. 

At  lafl  he's '  taken  and  imprifoned 

Within  an  Ifle  that  was  with  pleafures  fed, 

Injoy'd  what  ere  befeem'd  his  Royalty, 

Only  reftrained  of  his  liberty: 

After  three  years  he  died,  left  what  he'd  won, 

In  Greece  unto  Antigonus  his  Son. 

For  his  Poflerity  unto  this  day, 

Did  ne're  regain  one  foot  in  AJia\j 

His  Body  Seleucus  fends  to  his  Son,  C1^1] 

Whofe  obfequies  with  wondrous  pomp  was  done. 

Next  di'd  the  brave  and  noble  Ptolemp, 

Renown'd  for  bounty,  valour,  clemency, 

Rich  Egypt  left,  and  what  elfe  he  had  won, 

To  Philadelphus  his  more  wrorthy  Son. 

Of  the  old  Heroes,  now  but  two  remain, 

Seleucus  and  Lyfemachus  thefe  twain, 

h  The  next  eight  lines  are  not  in  the  first  edition.  *  There  was  he. 

>  The  next  two  lines  are  not  in  the  first  edition. 


316  Anne  Bradft  reefs  Works. 

Muft  needs  go  try  their  fortune  and  their  might, 

And  fo  Lyjimachus  was  ilain  in  fight; 

'Twas  no  fmall  joy  unto  Seleucus  breaft, 

That  now  he  had  out-lived  all  the  reft: 

Poffeflion  of  Europe  thinks  to  take, 

And  fo  himfelf  the  only  Monarch  make ; 

Whilft  with  thefe  hopes  in  Greece  he  did  remain, 

He  was  by  Ptolemy  Ceraunus  (lain. 

The  fecond  Son  of  the  firft  Ptolemy, 

Who  for  Rebellion  unto  him  did  fly; 

Seleucus  was  a^  Father  and  a  friend, 

Yet  by  him  had  this  moft  unworthy  end. 

Thus  with  thefe  Kingly  Captains  have  we  done, 

A  little  now  how  the  Succeffion  run, 

Antigonus,  Seleucus  and  Caffander, 

With  Ptolemy,  reign'd  after  Alexander ; 

CaJJTander 's- Sons  foon  after's  death  were  (lain, 

So  three  Succeflbrs  only  did  remain: 

J 

Antigonus  his  Kingdomes  loft  and  life, 
Unto  Seleucus,  Author  of  that  ftrife. 
His  Son  Demetrius,  all  Caffanders  gains, 
And  his  pofterity,  the  fame  retains; 
Demetrius  Son  was  call'd  Antigonus, 
And  his  again  was  nam'd l  Demetrius. 
\  muft  let  pafs  thofe  many  Battels  fought, 
Betwixt m  thofe  Kings,  and  noble  Pyrrhus  flout, 
And  his  Son  Alexander  of  Epire, 
Whereby  immortal  honour  they  acquire; 

*  as.  /  againe,  alfo.  »*  Between. 


. 

The  Four  Monarchies.  317 

-••-.• 


Demetrius  had  Philip  to  his  Son/' 

(Part  of  whofe  Kingdomes  Titus  Quintius  won) 

Philip  had  Perfeus,  who  was  made  a  Thrale 

T?  Emilius  the  Roman  General; 

Him  with  his  Sons  in  Triumph  lead  did  he, 

Such  riches  too  as  Rome  did  never  fee: 

This  of  Antigonus,  his  Seed's  the  Fate, 

Whofe  Empire  was  fubdu'd  to  °  th'  Roman  State. 

Longer  Seleucus  held  the  royalty, 

In  Syria  by  his  Poilerity; 

Antiochus  Soter  his  Son  was  nam'd, 

To  whom  the  old^  Berofus  (fo  much  fam'd,) 

His  Book  of  Affurs  Monarchs  dedicates, 

Tells  of  their  names,  their  wars,  their  riches,  fates; 

But  this  is  perifhed  with  many  more, 

Which  oft  we  wifh  was  extant  as  before.* 

Antiochus  Theos  was  Soter 's  Son, 

Who  a  long  war  with  Egypts  King  begun; 

The  Affinityes  and  Wars  Daniel  fets  forth, 

And  calls  them  there  the  Kings  of  South  &  North,  f 

This  Theos  murther'd  was  by  his  lewd  wife/ 

Seleucus  reign'd,  when  he  had  loft  his  life. 

«  Instead  of  the  next  five  lines,  the  first  edition  has,  — 
He  Perfeus,  from  him  the  kingdom's  won, 
T&millius  the  Roman  Generall, 
Did  take  his  rule,  his  fons,  himfelf  and  all. 

°  kingdomes  were  fubdu'd  by.  P  whom  Ancient. 

*  See  page  188  and  note.  t  Daniel,  chap.  xi. 

q  This  Theos  he  was  murthered  by  his  wife, 


318  Anne  Bradftreet's  Works. 

A  third  Seleucus  next  fits  on  the  Seat, 

And  then  Antiochus  firnam'd  the  great/ 

VVhofe  large  Dominions  after  was  made  fmall,  [183] 

By  Scipio  the  Roman  General; 

Fourth  Seleucus*  Antiochus  fucceeds, 

And  next*  Epiphanes  whofe  wicked  deeds, 

Horrid  MafTacres,  Murthers,  cruelties, 

Amongft*  the  Jews  we  read  in  Machabees.* 

Antiochus  Eupater  was  the  next, 

By  Rebels  and  Impoftors  dayly  vext; 

So  many  Princes  itill  were  murthered, 

The  Royal  Blood  was  nigh*  extinguifhed ; 

Then™  Tygranes  the  great  Armenian  King, 

To  take  the  Government  was  called  in, 

Lucullus,  Him,  (the  Roman  General) 

Vanquifh'd  in  fight,  and  took  thofe  Kingdomes  all; 

Of  Greece  and  Syria  thus  the  rule  did  end, 

In  Egypt  next,  a  little  time  wee'l  fpend. 

Firft  Ptolemy  being  dead,  his  famous  Son 

Call'd  Philadelphus,  did  poflefs  *  the  Throne. 

At  Alexandria  a  Library  did  build/ 

And  with  feven  hundred  thoufand  Volumes  fill'd; 

*  The  next  two  lines  are  not  in  the  first  edition.  s  Seleuckus  next. 
t  then.                                                                                          «  Againft. 

*  i  Mace.  i.  20-28;  2  Mace.  v.  1-22,  and  elsewhere.      After  this,  the 
first  edition  has,  — 

By  him  was  fet  up  the*  abomination 

/  'th'  holy  place,  which  caufed  defolation  ; 
v  quite.  w  That.  *  next  fat  on. 

y  The  Library  at  Alexandria  built, 


319 


The  Four  Monarchies. 

The  feventy  two  Interpreters  did  feek, 
They  might  tranflate  the  Bible  into  Greek.* 
His  Son  was  Evergetes  the  laft  Prince, 
That  valour  fhew'd,  virtue,  or  excellence, 
Philopater  was  Evergetes  Son, 
After  Epiphanes  fate  on  the  Throne; 
Philometor,  Evergetes2  again, 
And  after a  him,  did  falfe  Lathurus  reign: 
Then  Alexander  in  Lathurus  ftead, 
Next  Auletes,  who  cut  off  Pompeys  head. 
To  all  thefe  names,  we  Ptolemy  muft  add, 
For  fmce  the  firft,  they  ftill  that  Title  had. 
Fair  Cleopatra  next,  laft  of  that  race, 
Whom  yulius  Ccefar  fet  in  Royal  place/ 
She  with  her  Paramour,  Mark  Anthony 
Held  for  a  time,  the  Egyptian  Monarchy, 
Till  great  Auguftus  had  with  him  a  fight 
At  Aftium,  where  his  Navy's  put  to  flight '/ 
He  feeing  his  honour  loft,  his  Kingdome  end, 
Did  by  his  Sword  his  life  foon  after  fend/ 

*  This  account,  which  is  that  of  Archbishop  Usher,  of  the  origin  of  the 
Greek  version  of  the  Old  Testament,  known  as  the  "  Septuagint,"  is  not 
now  credited.  The  translation  was  made  at  Alexandria,  and  was  probably 
begun  as  early  as  about  280  B.C. 

2  then  Evergetes.  a  next  to. 

b  After  this,  the  first  edition  has,  — 

Her  brother  by  him,  loft  his  trayterous  head 
For  Pomfefs  life,  then  plac'd  her  in  his  ftead, 

c  At  Atfium  flam,  his  Navy  put  to  flight. 

d  This  and  the  preceding  line  are  not  in  the  first  edition. 


320  Anne  Brad/I  reefs  Works. 

His  brave   Virago  Afpes  fets  to  her  Arms/ 

To  take  her  life,  and  quit  her  from  all  harms; 

For  'twas  not  death  nor  danger  me  did  dread, 

But  fome  difgrace  in  triumph  to  be  led. 

Here  ends  at  laft  the  Grecian  Monarchy, 

Which  by  the  Romans  had  its  deftiny; 

Thus  King7  &  Kingdomes  have  their  times  &  dates. 

Their  Handings,  overturnings,  bounds  and  fates : 

Now  up,  now  down  now  chief,  &  then  broght  under, 

The  heavn's  thus  rule,  to  fil  the  world  g  with  wonder 

The  Affyrian  Monarchy  long  time  did  fband, 

But  yet  the  Perjian  got  the  upper  hand; 

The  Grecian  them  did  utterly  fubdue, 

And  millions  wrere  fubjecl:ed  unto  few: 

The  Grecian  longer  then  the  Perjian  Hood, 

Then  came  the  Roman  like  a  raging  flood; 

And  with  the  torrent  of  his  rapid  courfe, 

Their  Crowns  their  Titles,  riches  bears  by  force. 

The  firft  was  likened  to  a  head  of  gold. 

Next  Arms  and  breaft  of  filver  to  behold, 

The  third,  Belly  and  Thighs  of  brafs  in  fight,       [185] 

And  lafb  was  Iron,  which  breaketh  all  with  might; 

The  fhone  out  of  the  mountain  then  did  rife, 

and  fmote  thofe  feet  thofe  legs,  thofe  arms  &  thighs 

Then  gold,  filver,  brafs,  Iron  and  all  the  h  fbore, 

Became  like  Chaff  upon  the  threfhing  Floor.'55' 

e  Then  poyfonous  Afpes  fhe  fets  unto  her  Armes,  f  Kings, 

£•  earth.  A  that.  *  Dan.  ii.  31-35. 


The  Four  Monarchies.  321 

The  firft  a  Lion,  fecond  was  a  Bear, 

The  third  a  Leopard,  which  four  wings  did  rear; 

The  lafb  more  ftrong  and  dreadful  then  the  reft, 

Whofe  Iron  teeth  devoured  every  Beaft, 

And  when  he  had  no  appetite  to  eat, 

The  refidue  he  ftamped  under  feet;  * 

Yet  fhall1'  this  Lion,  Bear,  this  Leopard,  Ram, 

All  trembling  ftand  before  the  powerful  Lamb.f 

With  thefe  three  Monarchyes  now  have  I  done, 

But  how  the  fourth,  their  Kingdomes  from  them  won, 

And  how  from  fmall  beginnings  it  did  grow, 

To  fill  the  world  with  terrour  and  with  woe; 

My  tyred  brain  leavs  to  fome  better  pen, 

This  task  befits  not  women  like  to  men: 

For  what  is  paft,  I  blufh,  excufe  to  make, 

But  humbly  ftand,  fome  grave  reproof  to  take; 

Pardon  to  crave  for  errours,  is  but  vain, 

The  Subject  was  too  high,  beyond  my  ftrain, 

To  frame  Apology  for  fome  offence, 

Converts  our  boldnefs  into  impudence: 

This  my  prefumption  fome  now  to  requite, 

Ne  futor  ultra  crepidum  may  write. 

The  End  of  the  Grecian  Monarchy! 


*  Dan.  vii.  3-7.  «  But  yet.  f  Dan.  vii.  12-14. 

j  This  is  not  in  the  first  edition. 


322 


Anne  Bradftreefs  Works. 


After  fome  dayes  of  reft,  my  reftlefs  heart 

To  finifh  what's  begun,  new  thoughts  impart, 

And  maugre  all  refolves,  my  fancy  wrought 

This  fourth  to  th'  other  three,  now  might  be  brought 

Shortnefs  of  time  and  inability, 

Will  force  me  to  a  confus'd  brevity. 

Yet  in  this  Chaos,  one  mall  eafily  fpy 

The  vaft  Limbs  of  a  mighty  Monarchy, 

What  e're  is  found  amifs  take  in  good  *  part, 

As  faults  proceeding  from  my  head,  not  heart. 

*  beft. 


The  Romane  Monarchy, 
being    the    fourth    and    laft,   be 
ginning  Anno  Mundi, 


3     2 


OTout  Romulus,  Romes  founder,  and  firft  King, 

^-^     Whom  veftal  Rhea  to  the7  world  did  bring; 

His  Father  was  not  Mars  as  fome  devis'd, 

But  ^Emulus  in  Armour  all  difguiz'd: 

Thus  he  deceiv'd  his  Neece,  me  might  not  know 

The  double  injury  he  then  did  do. 

Where  fheperds  once  had  Coats  &  Iheep  their  folds  [187] 

Where  Swains  &  ruftick  Peafants  kept m  their  holds, 

A  City  fair  did  Romulus  erect, 

The  Miftrefs  of  the  World,  in  each  refpe6t, 

His  brother  Rhemus  there  by  him  was  flain, 

For  leaping  o're  the  wall  with  fome  difdain. 

The  ftones  at  firft  was  cemented  with  blood, 

And  bloody  hath  it  prov'd,  fince  firft  it  ftood. 

I  into  th'.  t»  made. 


324  Anne  Bradftreef*  s  Works. 

This  City  built  and  Sacrifices  done, 

A  Form  of  Government,  he  next  begun; 

A  hundred  Senators  he  likewife  chofe, 

And  with  the  ftyle  of  Patres,  honoured  thofe, 

His  City  to  replenifh,  men  he  wants, 

Great  priviledges  then  to  all  he  grants; 

That  will  within  thofe  ftrong  built  walls  refide, 

And  this  new  gentle  Government  abide. 

Of  wives  there  was  fo  great  a  fcarcity, 

They  to  their  neighbours  fue  for  a  fupply; 

But  all  difdain  Alliance,  then  to  make, 

So  Romulus  was  forc'd  this  courfe  to  take : 

Great  mews  he  makes  at  Tilt  and  Turnament, 

To  fee  thefe  fports,  the  Sabins  all  are  bent. 

Their  daughters  by  the  Romans  then  were  caught, 

Then  to  recover  them  a  Field  was  fought; 

But  in  the  end,  to  final  peace  they  come, 

And  Sabins  as  one  people  dwelt  in  Rome. 

The  Romans  now  more  potent  'gin  to  grow, 

And  Fedinates  they  wholly  overthrow. 

But  Romulus  then  comes  unto  his  end. 

Some  feigning  to  the  Gods  n  he  did  afcend: 

Others  the  feven  and  thirtyeth  of  his  reign, 

Affirm,  that  by  the  Senate  he  was  flain. 

*  faining  fay,  to  heav'n. 


The  Four  Monarchies.  325 

Numa  Pompilius. 

IV  TUMA  Pompilius  next  chofe  they  King," 

£  ^      Held  for  his  piety  forne  facred  thing, 

To  Janus  he  that  famous  Temple  built: 

Kept  fhut  in  peace,  fet^  ope  when  blood  was  fpilt; 

Religious  Rites  and  Cuftomes  inftituted, 

And  Priefls  and  Flamines  likewife  he  deputed, 

Their  Augurs  ftrange,  their  geftures^  and  attire, 

And  veftal  maids  to  keep  the  holy  fire. 

The  Nymph  r  ^Egeria  this  to  him  told, 

So  to  delude  the  people  he  was  bold: 

Forty  three  years  he  rul'd  with  general  praife, 

Accounted  for  a*  God  in  after  dayes. 


Tullius  Hoftilius. 

T^ULLIUS  Hoftilius  was  third  Roman  King, 

Who  Martial  difcipline  in  ufe  did  bring; 
War  with  the  antient  Albans  he  did  wage, 
This  ftrife  to  end  fix  brothers  did  ingage. 
Three  call'd  Horatii  on  the  Romans  fide, 
And  Curiatii  three  Albans  provide: 
The  Romans  conquer,  th'  other  yield  the  day, 
Yet  in  *  their  Compact,  after  falfe  they  play. 

o  is  next  chofen  King,  /  but.  9  habit, 

r  Goddeffe.  *  fome.  <  for. 


326  Anne  Bradftreefs  Works. 

The  Romans  fore  incens'd,  their  General  flay, 

And  from  old  Alba  fetch  the  wealth  away; 

Of  Latin  Kings  this  was  long  fince  the  Seat, 

But  now  demolifhed,  to  make  Rome  great. 

Thirty  two  years  did  Tullus  reign,  then  dye,       [189] 

Left  Rome  in  wealth,  and  power  ftill  growing  high. 


Ancus  Martins. 

TV  TEXT  Ancus  Martius  fits  upon  the  Throne, 
•*•  ^      Nephew  unto  Pompilius  dead  and  gone; 
Rome  he  inlarg'd,  new  built  again  the  wall, 
Much  ftronger,  and  more  beautiful  withal; 
A  ftately  Bridge  he  over  Tyber  made, 
Of  Boats  and  Oars  no  more  they  need  the  aid. 
Fair  Oftia  he  built  this  Town,  it  ilood 
Clofe  by  the  mouth  of  famous  Tyber  floud, 
Twenty  four  years  time  of  his  Royal  race, 
Then  unto  death  unwillingly  gives  place. 


T 


Tarquinius  Prifcus 

ARQUIN  a  Greek  at  Corinth  born  and  bred, 
Who  from  his  Country  for  Sedition  fled. 


The  Fo  21  r  Mo  n  a  rch  ies.  327 

Is  entertain'd  at  Rome,  and  in  fhort  time, 

By  wealth  and  favour  doth  to  honour  clirnbe; 

He  after  Martins  death  the  Kingdome  had, 

A  hundred  Senators  he  more  did  add. 

Wars  with  the  Latins  he  again  renews, 

And  Nations  twelve  of  Tufcany  fubdues, 

To  fuch  rude  triumphs  as  young  Rome  then  had, 

Some  State  and  fplendor*  did  this  Prifcus  add: 

Thirty  eight  years  (this  fhronger  born *)  did  reign, 

And  after  all,  by  Ancus  Sons  was  flain. 


Servius  Tullius.  [I9°] 

• 

NEXT  Servius  Tullius  gets  into w  the  Throne, 
Afcends  not  up  By  merits  of  his  own, 
But  by  the  favour  and  the  fpecial  grace 
Of  Tanquil*  late  Queen,  obtains  the  place. 
He  ranks  the  people  into  each  degree, 
As  wealth  had  made  them  of  ability; 
A  general  Mufter  takes,  which  by  account, 
To  eighty  thoufand  Souls  then  did  amount. 
Forty  four  years  did  Servius  Tullius  reign, 
And  then  by  Tarquin  Prifcus  Son  was  flain. 

*  Much  ftate,  and  glory,  »  Stranger  borne, 

w  fits  upon.  x   Tanaquil, 


328  Anne  Bradftreefs  Works. 

Tarquinius  Superbus  the  laji 
King  of  the  Romans y 

HT^ARQUIN  the  proud,  from  manners  called  fo, 

Sat  on  the  Throne,  when  he  had  flain  his  Foe. 
Sextus  his  Son  did  moft  unworthily, 
Lucretia  force,  mirrour  of  Chaftity: 
She  loathed  fo  the  faft,  me  loath'd  her  life, 
And  med  her  guiltlefs  blood  with  guilty  knife 
Her  Husband  fore  incens'd  to  quit  this  wrong, 
With  Junius  Brutus  rofe,  and  being  ftrong, 
The  Tarquins  they  from  Rome  by  force  *  expel, 
In  banifhment  perpetual  to  dwell; 
The  Government  they  change,  a  new  one  bring, 
And  people  fwear  ne'r  to  accept  of  King.* 

An  Apology.*  [I9I] 

r  I  ^O  finiih  what's  begun,  was  my  intent, 

-*•       My  thoughts  and  my  endeavours  thereto  bent; 
Effays  I  many  made  but  ilill  gave  out, 
The  more  I  mus'd,  the  more  I  was  in  doubt: 

y  Roman  King.  *  with  fpeed. 

a  After  this  the  first  edition  has,'  — 

The  end  of  the  Roman  Monarchy, 

being  the  fourth  and  laft. 
*  This  Apology  is  not  in  the  first  edition. 


An  Apology.  329 

The  fubject  large  my  mind  and  body  weak, 
With  many  moe  difcouragements  did  fpeak. 
All  thoughts  of  further  progrefs  laid  afide, 
Though  oft  perfwaded,  I  as  oft  deny'd, 
At  length  refolv'd,  when  many  years  had  part, 
To  profecute  my  ftory  to  the  laft; 
And  for  the  fame,  I  hours  not  few  did  fpend, 
And  weary  lines  (though  lanke)  I  many  pen'd: 
But  'fore  I  could  accomplim  my  delire, 
My  papers  fell  a  prey  to  th'  raging  fire.* 
And  thus  my  pains  (with  better  things)  I  loft, 
Which  none  had  caufe  to  wail,  nor  I  to  boaft. 
No  more  Pie  do  fith  I  have  fuffer'd  wrack, 
Although  my  Monarchies  their  legs  do  lack: 
Nor  matter  is't  this  laft,  the  world  now  fees, 
Hath  many  Ages  been  upon  his  knees. 

*  See  page  40. 


A   Dialogue  between   Old  En- 


gland  and  New;  concerning  their 
prefent  Troubles,  Anno,  164.2. 


Neiv-Engl&nd. 

A  Las  dear  Mother,  faireft  Queen  and  beft, 
-*-  *•  With  honour,  wealth,  and  peace,  happy  and  blefl; 
What  ails  thee  hang  thy  head,  &  crofs  thine  arms  ? 
And  fit  i'th'  duft,  to  figh  thefe  fad  alarms? 
What  deluge  of  new  woes  thus  over-whelme 
The  glories  of  thy  ever  famous  Realme? 
What  means  this  wailing  tone,  this  mournful b  guife  ? 
Ah,  tell  thy  daughter,  me  may  fympathize. 

Old  England. 

Art  ignorant  indeed  of  thefe  my  woes? 
Or  muft  my  forced  tongue  thefe  griefs  difclofe  ? 
And  muft  myfelf  diffeft  my  tatter'd  ftate, 
Which  'mazed  Chriftendome  ftands  wondring  at? 

*  mourning. 


Old  England  and  New.  33 1 

And  thou  a  Child,  a  Limbe,  and  doft  not  feel 

My  fainting  weakned  body  now  t'o  reel? 

This  Phyfick  purging  potion,  I  have  taken,  [J93l 

Will  bring  confumption,  or  an  Ague  quaking, 

Unlefs  fome  Cordial,  thou  fetch  from  high, 

Which  prefent  help  may  eafe  my''  malady. 

If  I  deceafe,  doft  think  thou  malt  furvive? 

Or  by  my  wafting  ftate  doft  think  to  thrive? 

Then  weigh  our  cafe,  if't  be  not  juftly  fad; 

Let  me  lament  alone,  while  thou  art  glad. 

Neiv-Engla  n  d. 

And  thus  (alas)  your  ftate  you  much  deplore 
In  general  terms,  but  will  not  fay  wherefore: 
What  medicine  fhall  I  feek  to  cure  this  woe, 
If  th'  wound  d  fo  dangerous  I  may  not  know.* 
But  you  perhaps,  would  have  me  ghefs  it  out: 
What  hath  fome  Hengift  like  that  Saxon  ftout 
By  fraud  or  force  ufurp'd  thy  flowring  crown, 
Or*  by  tempeftuous  warrs  thy  fields  trod  down/ 
Or  hath  Canutus,  that  brave  valiant  Dane 
The  Regal  peacefull  Scepter  from  thee  tane  / 
Or  is't  a  Norman,  whofe  victorious  hand 
With  Englifh  blood  bedews  thy  conquered  land  ? 
Or  is't  Inteftine  warrs  that  thus  offend? 
Do  Maud  and  Stephen  for  the  crown  contend  ? 

v 

c  this.  d  wound's. 

*  A  question  in  the  first  edition.  e  And. 


332  Anne  Bradftreefs  Works. 

Do  Barons  rife  and  fide  againft  their  King, 
And  call  in  foraign  aid  to  help  the  thing? 
Mull  Edward  be  depos'd  ?  or  is't  the  hour 
That  fecond  Richard  muft  be  clapt  i'th  tower  ? 
Or  is't  the  fatal  Jarre,  again  begun 
That  from  the  red  white  pricking  rofes  fprung? 
Muft  Richmonds  aid,  the  Nobles  now  implore?  [194] 
To  come  and  break  the  Tufhes  of  the  Boar,* 
If  none  of  thefe  dear  Mother,  what's  your  woe  ? 
Pray  do  you7  fear  Spains  bragging  Armadot 
Doth  your  Allye,  fair  France,  confpire  your  wrack, 
Or  do  the  Scots  play  falfe,  behind  your  back? 
Doth  Holland  quit  you  ill  for  all  your  love  ? 
Whence  is  the  ftorm  from  Earth  or  Heaven  above  ? 
Is't  drought,  is't  famine,  or  is't  peftilence? 
Doft  feel  the  fmart,  or  fear  the  Confequence  ? 
Your  humble  Child  intreats  you,  mew  your  grief, 
Though  Arms,  nor  Purfe  me  hath  for  your  relief, 
Such  is  her  poverty:  yet  lhall  be  found 
A  Suppliant  for  your  help,  as  fhe  is  bound. 

*  Richard  III.  He  is  called  the  "boar"  several  times  in  Shakespeare's 
tragedy  of  Richard  III.  "  Richard's  armorial  supporters  were  white  boars. 
A  white  boar  was  also  his  favourite  badge.  In  his  letter  from  York  he 
orders  "  four  standards  of  sarcenet  and  thirteen  gonfanons  of  fustian,  with 
boars."  Richard's  favourite  badge  of  cognizance  was  worn  by  the  higher 
order  of  his  partisans  appendant  to  a  collar  of  roses  and  suns."  —  KNIGHT'S 
Shakspere :  Histories,  vol.  ii.  p.  239.. 

f  not. 


Old  England  and  New.  333 

Old  England. 

I  muft  confefs  fome  of  thofe  fores  you  name, 

My  beauteous  body  at  this  prefent  maime; 

But  forreign  foe,  nor  feigned  friend  I  fear, 

For  they  have  work  enough  (thou  knowft)  elfewhere 

Nor  is  it  Aides  Son,*  nor^  Henryes  daughter;  f 

Whofe  proud  contention  caufe  this  (laughter, 

Nor  Nobles  liding,  to  make  John  no  King, 

French  Jews  J  unjuflly  to  the  Crown  to  bring; 

No  Edward,  Richard,  to  lofe  rule  and  life, 

Nor  no  Lancastrians  to  renew  old  ftrife: 

No  Duke  of  Tork,  nor  Earl  of  March  to  foyle 

Their  hands  in  kindreds  blood  whom  they  did  foil 

No  crafty  Tyrant  now  ufurps  the  Seat, 

Who  Nephews  flew  that  fo  he  might  be  great \h 

No  need  of  Tudor,1  Rofes  to  unite,  [J95] 

None  knows  which  is  the  red,  or  which  the  white;  • 

Spains  braving  Fleet,  a  fecond  time  is  funk, 

France  knows  how  ofty  my  fury  me  hath  drunk: 

*  Stephen,  son  of  Stephen  of  Blois,  Count  Palatine  of  Champagne,  and 
Adela,  fourth  daughter  of  William  the  Conqueror.    Her  name  is  sometimes 
given  as  Adelicia,  Adeliza,  or  Alice ;  and  the  contraction  from  one  of  these 
forms  into  Alcie  would  be  simple. 

g  and. 

t  The  Empress  Matilda,  or  Maud,  the  daughter  of  Henry  I.     See  page 
331,  last  line. 

J  A  misprint  for  "  Lewis  "  in  the  first  edition. 

*  No  Crook-backt  Tyrant,  now  ufurps  the  Seat, 
Whofe  .tearing  tusks  did  wound,  and  kill,  and  threat: 

*  Teder.  J  of. 


334  Anne  Bradftreef*  s  Works. 

By  Edward  third,  and  Henry  fifth  of  fame, 
Her  Lillies  in  mine  Arms  avouch  the  fame. 
My  Sifter  Scotland  hurts  me  now  no  more, 
Though  me  hath  been  injurious  heretofore; 
What  Holland  is  I  am  in  fome  fufpence  f 
But  truft  not  much  unto  his  excellence. 
For  wants,  fure  fome  I  feel,  but  more  I  fear, 
And  for  the  Peflilence,  who  knows  how  near; 
Famine  and  Plague,  two  Sifters  of  the  Sword, 
Deftru6tion  to  a  Land,  doth  foon  afford: 
They're  for  my  punifhment  ordain'd  on  high, 
Unlefs  our  *  tears  prevent  it  fpeedily.* 
But  yet  I  Anfwer  not  what  you  demand, 
To  mew  the  grievance  of  my  troubled  Land  ? 
Before  I  tell  th?  Effea,  Pie  mew  the  Caufe 
Which  are  my  iins  the  breach  of  facred  Laws, 
Idolatry  fupplanter  of  a  Nation, 
With  foolifh  Superfluous  Adoration, 
Are l  lik'd  and  countenanc'd  by  men  of  might, 
The  Gofpel  troden™  down  and  hath  no  right: 
Church  Offices  were  n  fold  and  bought  for  gain, 
That  Pope  had  hope  to  find,  Rome  here  again, 
For  Oaths  and  Blafphemies,  did  ever  Ear, 
From  Belzebub  himfelf  fuch  language  hear; 
What  fcorning  of  the  Saints  of  the  mofl  high  ? 
What  injuries  did  daily  on  them  lye  ? 

k  thy.  *  The  Great  Plague  came  in  1665,  about  twenty  years  after. 

1  And.  tn.  is  trod.  «  are. 


Old  England  and  New.  335 

What  falfe  reports,  what  nick-names  did  they  take  [196] 

Not  for  their  own,  but  for  their  Matters  fake  ? 

And  thou  poor  foul,  wert  jeer'd  among  the  reft, 

Thy  flying  for  the  truth  was  *  made  a  jeft. 

For  Sabbath-breaking,  and  for  drunkennefs, 

Did  ever  land  profanefs  more  exprefs? 

From  crying  blood  yet  cleanfed  am  not  I, 

Martyres  and  others,  dying  caufelefly. 

How  many  princely  heads  on  blocks  laid  down 

For  nought  but  title  to  a  fading  crown  ? 

'Mongft  all  the  crueltyes  by  great  ones  done^ 

Of  Edwards  youths, q  and  Clarence  haplefs  fon, 

0  Jane  why  didft  thou  dye  in  flowring  prime  ? 
Becaufe  of  royal  ftem,  that  was  thy  crime. 
For  bribery  Adultery  and  lyes/" 

Where  is  the  nation,  I  can't  parallize. 

With  ufury,  extortion  and  oppreflion, 

Thefe  be  the  Hydraes  of  my  ftout  tranfgreffion. 

Thefe  be  the  bitter  fountains,  heads  and  roots, 

Whence  flow'd  the  fource,the  fprigs,the  boughs  &  fruits 

Of  more  then  thou  canft  hear  or  I  relate, 

That  with  high  hand  I  ftill  did  perpetrate : 

For  thefe  were  threatned  the  wofull  day, 

1  mockt  the  Preachers,  put  it  far  away; 
The  Sermons  yet  upon  Record  do  ftand 
That  cri'd  deftruction  to  my  wicked  land: 

«  I.  /  which  I  have  done,  9  Oh,  Edwards  Babes, 

»•  For  Bribery,  Adultery,  for  Thefts,  and  Lyes, 


336  Anne  Bradft  reefs  Works. 

I  then  believ'd  not,  now  I  feel  and  fee, 

The  plague  of  ftubborn  incredulity/ 

So-me  loft  their  livings,  fome  in  prifon  pent, 

Some  fin'd,  from  houfe  &'  friends  to  exile  went. 

Their  filent  tongues  to  heaven  did  vengeance  cry,  [197] 

Who  faw  their  wrongs,  &  hath  judg'd  righteoufly  * 

And  will  repay  it  feven-fold  in  my  lap: 

This  is  fore-runner  of  my  Afterclap. 

Nor  took  I  warning  by  my  neighbours  falls, 

I  faw  fad  Germany es  difmantled  walls, 

I  faw  her  people  famifh'd,  Nobles  (lain, 

Her  fruitfull  land,  a  barren  Heath  remain. 

I  faw  unmov'd,  her  Armyes  foil'd  and  fled, 

Wives  forc'd,  babes  tofs'd,  her  houfes  calcined. 

I  faw  ftrong  Rochel  yielded v  to  her  Foe, 

Thoufands  of  ftarved  Chriftians  there  alfo. 

I  faw  poor  Ireland  bleeding  out  her  laft, 

Such  crueltyes™  as  all  reports  have  paft;* 

Mine  heart  obdurate  flood  not  yet  agaft. 

s  Instead  of  this  and  the  preceding  line,  the  first  edition  has,  — 
Thefe  Prophets  mouthes  (alas  the  while)  was  ftopt, 
Unworthily,  fome  backs  whipt,  and  eares  cropt ; 
Their  reverent  cheeks  did  beare  the  glorious  markes 
Of  ftinking,  ftigmatizing,  Romilh  Clerkes ; 

referring  probably  to  the  persecutions  of  Prynne,  Bastwick,  and  Burton. 

Prynne  himself  says  of  the  letters  "  S.  L."  branded  on  his  cheeks,  — 

"Bearing  LAVD'S  STAMPS  on  my  cheeks,  I  retire, 
Triumphing,  God's  sweet  Sacrifice,  by  Fire." 

t  Some  grcfiely  fin'd,  from. 

*  Who  heard  their  caufe,  and  wrongs  judg'd  righteoufly, 
v  yielding.  -w  cruelty.  *  See  page  164  and  note. 


Old  England  and  New.  337 

Now  fip  I  of  that  cup,  and  juft't  may  be 
The  bottome  clreggs  referved  are  for  me. 


•    . f 
New- England. 

To  all  you've  faid,  fad  Mother  I  affent, 

Your  fearfull  fins  great  caufe  there's  to  lament, 

My  guilty  hands  in  part,  hold  up  with  you, 

A  Sharer  in  your  punifhment's  my  due. 

But  all  you  fay  amounts  to  this  effect, 

Not  what  you  feel,  but  what  you  do  expect, 

Pray  in  plain  terms,  what  is  your  prefent  grief? 

Then  let's  joyn  heads  &  hearts  *  for  your  relief. 


Old  England.  [198] 

Well  to  the  matter  then,  there's  grown  of  late 
'Twixt  King  and  Peers  a  Quefbion  of  State, 
Which  is  the  chief,  the  Law,  or  elfe  the  King. 
One  faid/  it's  he,  the  other  no  fuch  thing. 
'Tis  faid,  my  beter  part  in  Parliament z 
To  eafe  my  groaning  Land,  fhew'd"  their  intent, 
To  crufh  the  proud,  and  right  to  each  man  deal, 
To  help  the  Church,  and  flay  the  Common-weal. 
So  many  Obftacles  came b  in  their  way, 
As  puts  me  to  a  fhand  what  I  mould  fay; 

x  hands.  y  faith.  «  Mj  better  part  in  Court  of  Parliament, 

a  Ihew.  6  comes. 

43 


338  Anne  Bradftreet^s  Works. 

Old  cuftomes,  new  Prerogatives  flood  on, 

Had  they  not  held  Law  fafl,  all  had  been  gone: 

Which  by  their  prudence  flood  them  in  fuch  flead 

They  took  high  Strafford  lower  by  the  head. 

And  to  their  Laud  be't  fpoke,  they  held  i'th  tower 

All  Englands  Metropolitane  that  hour;* 

This  done,  an  act  they  would  have  pafled  fain, 

No  Prelate  fhould  his  Bifhoprick  retain; 

Here  tugg'd  they  hard  (indeed,)  for  all  men  faw 

This  mufl  be  done  by  Gofpel,  not  by  Law. 

Next  the  Militia  they  urged  fore, 

This  was  deny'd,  (I  need  not  fay  wherefore) 

The  King  difpleas'd  at  York,  himfelf  abfents, 

They  humbly  beg  return,  mew  their  intents; 

The  writing,  printing,  pofling  too  and  fro, 

Shews  all  was  done,  Pie  therefore  let  it  go. 

But  now  I  come  to  fpeak  of  my  difafler, 

Contention  grown,  'twixt  Subjects  &  their  Mafler; 

They  worded  it  fo  long,  they  fell  to  blows,  [T99] 

That  thoufands  lay  on  heaps,  here  bleeds  my  woes, 

I  that  no  wars  fo  many  years  have  known, 

Am  now  deflroy'd  and  flaught'red  by  mine  own; 

But  could  the  Field  alone  this  flrife c  decide, 

One  Battel  two  or  three  I  might  abide: 

*  A  play  upon  words  is  not  often  to  be  met  with  in  the  writings  of  our 
grave  author.  Archbishop  Laud  was  committed  to  the  Tower  Feb.  26,  1641, 
and  was  confined  there  until  his  execution.  His  trial  took  place  in  March, 
1644.  He  was  beheaded  Jan.  10,  1645. 

c  caufe. 


Old  England  and  New.  339 

But  thefe  may  be  beginnings  of  more  woe 

Who  knows,  but  this  may  be  my  overthrow/ 

Oh  pity  me  in  this  fad  perturbation, 

My  plundred  Towns,  my  houfes  devaftation, 

My  weeping*  Virgins  and  my  young  men  ilain; 

My  wealthy  trading  fall'n,  my  dearth  of  grain, 

The  feed-times  come,  but  ploughman  hath  no  hope 

Becaufe  he  knows  not  who  mall  inn  his  Crop: 

The  poor  they  want  their  pay,  their  children  bread, 

Their  woful  Mothers  tears  unpittied, 

If  any  pity  in  thy  heart  remain, 

Or  any  child-like  love  thou  doft  retain, 

For  my  relief,  do  what  there  lyes  in  thee, 

And  recompence  that  .good  I've  done  to  thee/ 


New  England. 
Dear  Mother  ceafe  complaints  &  wipe  your  eyes, 

..  .- 

Shake  off  your  duft,  chear  up,  and  now  arife, 
You  are  my  Mother  Nurfe,  and  \*  your  flefh, 
Your  funken  bowels  gladly  would  refrem, 
Your  griefs  I  pity,  but  foon  hope  to  fee, 
Out  of  your  troubles  much  good  fruit  to  be; 

d  Who  knows,  the  worft,  the  beft  may  overthrow ; 
Religion,  Gofpell,  here  lies  at  the  ftake, 
Pray  now  dear  child,  for  facred  Zions  fake, 
«  ravifht. 
/  For  my  relief  now  ufe  thy  utmoft  skill, 

And  recompence  me  good,  for  all  my  ill. 
?  nurfe,  I  once.  • 


340  Anne  Bradft  reefs  Works. 

To  fee  thofe  latter  dayes  of  hop'd  for  good, 

Though  now  beclouded  all  with  tears  and  blood  :* 

After  dark  Popery  the  day  did  clear,  [2O°] 

But  now  the  Sun  in's  brightnefs  fhall  appear. 

Bleft  be  the  Nobles  of  thy  noble  Land, 

With  ventur'd  lives  for  Truths  defence  that  Hand. 

Bleft  be  thy  Commons,  who  for  common  good, 

And  thy  infringed  Laws  have  boldly  flood. 

Bleft  be  thy  Counties,  who  did *  aid  thee  ftill, 

With  hearts  and  States  to  teftifie  their  will. 

Bleft  be  thy  Preachers,  who  do  chear  thee  on, 

O  cry  the  Sword  of  God,  and  Gideon ;  * 

And  fhall  I  not  on  them  wifh  Merc's  curfe, 

That  help  thee  not  with  prayers,  Arms  and  purfe  ?  f 

And  for  my  felf  let  miferies  abound, 

If  mindlefs  of  thy  State  I  e're  be  found. 

Thefe  are  the  dayes  the  Churches  foes  to  crufh, 

To  root  out  Popelings7  head,  tail,  branch  and  rum; 

Let's  bring  Baals  veftments  forth*  to  make  a  fire, 

Their  Mytires,  Surplices,  and  all  their  Tire, 

Copes,  Rotchets,  Croffiers,  and  fuch  empty  tram/ 

And  let  their  Names  confume,  but  let  the  flafh 

*  Your  griefs  I  pity  much,  but  fhould  do  wrong, 
To  weep  for  that  we  both  have  pray'd  for  long, 
To  fee  thefe  latter  dayes  of  hop'd  for  good, 

That  Right  may  have  its  right,  though't  be  with  blood ; 

*  which  do.  *  Judg.  vii.  18,  20. 

t  "  Curse  ye  Meroz,  said  the  angel  of  the  LORD,  curse  ye  bitterly  the 
inhabitants  thereof;  because  they  came  not  to  the  help  of  the  LORD,  to 
the  help  of  the  LORD  against  the  mighty."  —  JUDG.  v.  23. 

J  Prelates.  *  out.  /  fuch  trafh, 


Old  England  and  New.  341 

Light  Chriflendome,  and  all  the  world  to  fee 

We  hate  Romes  whore,  with  all  her  trumpery. 

Go  on  brave  Effex  with  a  Loyal  heart, 

Not  falfe  to  King,  nor  to  the  better  part;"* 

But  thofe  that  hurt  his  people  and  his  Crown, 

As  duty  binds,  expel  and  tread  them  down." 

And  ye  brave  Nobles  chafe  away  all  fear, 

And  to  this  hopeful"  Caufe  clofely  adhere; 

O  Mother  can  you  weep,  and  have  fuch  Peers, 

When  they  are  gone,  then  drown  your  felf  in  tears 

If  now  you  weep  fo  much,  that  then  no  more     [2QI] 

The  briny  Ocean  will  o'reflow  your  more. 

Thefe,  thefe  are  they  I  trufl,  with  Charles  our  King, 

Out  of  all  mifls  fuch  glorious  dayes  fhall  ^  bring; 

That  dazled  eyes  beholding  much  fhall  wonder 

At  that  thy  fetled  peace,  thy  wealth  and  fplendor. 

Thy  Church  and  weal  eftablim'd  in  fuch  manner, 

That  all  fhall  joy,  that  thou  difplay'dft  thy  Banner; 

And  difcipline  erected  fo  I  truft, 

That  nurfing  Kings  fhall  come  and  lick  thy  dufl: 

Then  Juftice  fhall  in  all 'thy  Courts  take  place, 

Without  refpect  of  perfon/  or  of  cafe; 

Then  Bribes  fhall  ceafe,  &  Suits  fhall  not  flick  long 

Patience  and  purfe  of  Clients  oftr  to  wrong: 

f"  Go  on  brave  EJfex,  mew  whole  fon  thou  art, 

Not  falfe  to  King,  nor  Countrej  in  thy  heart, 
»  By  force  expell,  deftroy,  and  tread  them  down  : 

Let  Gaoles  be  fill'd  with  th'  remnant  of  that  pack, 

And  rturdy  Tyburn  loaded  till  it  crack, 
*  blefied.  p  will.  9  perfons.  r  for. 


342  Anne  Bradftreefs  Works. 

Then  high  Commiffions  fhall  fall  to  decay, 

And  Purfivants,  and  Catchpoles  want  their  pay. 

So  fhall  thy  happy  Nation  ever  flourifh, 

When  truth  &  righteoufnes  they  thus  fhall  nourifh 

When  thus  in  peace,  thine  Armies  brave  fend  out, 

To  fack  proud  Rome,  and  all  her  Vaffals  rout; 

There  let  thy  Name,  thy  fame,  and  glory  *  mine, 

As  did  thine  Anceftors  in  Pale/line: 

And  let  her  fpoyls  full  pay,  with  Intereft  be, 

Of  what  unjuftly  once  me  polPd  from  thee. 

Of  all  the  woes  thou  canft,  let  her  be  fped, 

And  on  her  pour'  the  vengeance  threatned; 

Bring  forth  the  Beaft  that  ruPd  the  World  with's  beck, 

And  tear  his  flefh,  &  fet  your  feet  on's  neck; 

And  make  his  filthy  Den  fo  defolate, 

To  th'  flonimment  of  all  that  knew  his  ftate: 

This  done  with  brandifh'd  Swords  to  Turky  goe,  [202] 

For  then  what  is't,  but  Englifh  blades  dare  do, 

And  lay  her  wafte  for  fo's  the  facred  Doom, 

And  do  to  Gog  as  thou  haft  done  to  Rome. 

Oh  Abraham's  feed  lift  up  your  heads  on  high, 

For  fure  the  day  of  your  Redemption's  nigh; 

The  Scales  fhall  fall  from  your  long  blinded  eyes, 

And  him  you  fhall  adore  who  now  defpife, 

Then  fulnefs  of  the  Nations  in  fhall  flow, 

And  Jew  and  Gentile  to  one  worfhip  go; 

Then  follows  dayes  of  happinefs  and  reft; 

Whofe  lot  doth  fall,  to  live  therein  is  bleft: 

s  thy  valour.  *  Execute  toth'  full. 


Old  England  and  New.  343 

No  Canaanite  fhall  then  be  found  i'th'  Land, 
And  holinefs  on  horfes  bells  fhall  Hand.* 
If  this  make  way  thereto,  then  ligh  no  more, 
But  if  at  all,  thou  didft  not  fee't  before; 
Farewel  dear  Mother,  righteft  caufe*  prevail, 
And  in  a  while,  you'le  tell  another  tale. 

*  "  In  that  day  shall  there  be  upon  the  bells  of  the  horses,  HOLINESS 
UNTO  THE  LORD;   .   .   .   and   in  that  day  there  shall  be  no  more  the 
Canaanite  in  the  house  of  the  Lord  of  hosts."  —  ZECH.  xiv.  20,  21. 

*  Parliament, 


An  Elegie  upon  that  Honou-   [203] 

rable  and  renowned  Knight  Sir  Philip  Sidney, 
who  was  untimely  flam  at  the  Siege 
of  Zutphen,  Anno,  158  6.* 


T  T  7Hen  England  did  enjoy  her  Halfion  dayes, 

*  ^  Her  noble  Sidney  wore  the  Crown  of  Bayes; 
As  well  an  honour  to  our  Britifh  Land, 
As  fhe  that  fway'd  the  Scepter  with  her  hand; 

*  So  many  changes  were  made  in  this  poem  in  the  second  edition,  and 
so  much  of  the  original  was  omitted,  that  it  is  here  given  entire  as  it 
appeared  in  the  first  edition. 


An  Elegie  upon  that  Ho 
nourable  and  renowned  Knight, 

Sir  Philip  Sidney,  who  was  untime 
ly  flaine  at  the  Seige  of  Zutphon, 
Anno  1586. 

By  A.  B.  in  the  yeare,  1638. 

Hen  England  di<5  injoy  her  Halfion  dayes, 
Her  noble  Sidney  wore  the  Crown  of  Bayes ; 
No  lefie  an  Honour  to  our  BritiJJi  Land, 
Then  me  that  fway'd  the  Scepter  with  her  hand  : 


Elegy  upon  Sir  Philip  Sidney.  345 

Mars  and  Minerva  did  in  one  agree, 

Of  Arms  and  Arts  he  fhould  a  pattern  be, 

Calliope  with  Terpjichore  did  ling, 

Of  Poefie,  and  of  mufick,  he  was  King; 

His  Rhetorick  ftruck  Polimina  dead, 

His  Eloquence  made  Mercury  wax  red ; 

His  Logic k  from  Euterpe  won  the  Crown, 

More  worth  was  his  then  Clio  could  fet  down. 

Thalia  and  Melpomene  fay  truth, 

(Witnefs  Arcadia  penned  in  his  youth,) 

Are  not  his  tragick  Comedies  fo  acted, 

As  if  your  ninefold  wit  had  been  compacted. 

Mars  and  Minerva  did  in  one  agree, 
Of  Armes,  and  Arts,  thou  fhould'ft  a  patterne  be. 
Calliope  with  Terpfechor  did  ling, 
Of  Poelie,  and  of  Mulick  thou  wert  King ; 
Thy  Rhethorick  it  ftruck  Polimnia  dead, 
Thine  Eloquence  made  Mercury  wax  red ; 
Thy  Logick  from  Euterpe  won  the  Crown, 
More  worth  was  thine,  then  Clio  could  fet  down. 
Thalia,  and  Melpomene,  fay  th'  truth, 
(Witneffe  Arcadia,  penn'd  in  his  youth) 
Are  not  his  Tragick  Comedies  fo  adled, 
As  if  your  nine-fold  wit  had  been  compacted ; 
To  mew  the  world,  they  never  faw  before, 
That  this  one  Volumne  mould  exhauft  your  ftore. 
I  praife  thee  not  for  this,  it  is  unfit, 
This  was  thy  fhame,  O  miracle  of  wit  : 
Yet  doth  thy  fhame  (with  all)  purchafe  renown, 
What  doe  thy  vertues  then  ?     Oh,  honours  crown  ! 
In  all  records,  thy  Name  I  ever  fee, 
Put  with  an  Epithet  of  dignity ; 

Which  Ihewes,  thy  worth  was  great,  thine  honour  fuch, 
The  love  thy  Country  ought  thee,  was  as  much. 
44 


346  Anne  Bradft  reefs  Works. 

To  fhew  the  world,  they  never  faw  before, 
That  this  one  Volume  fhould  exhauft  your  (lore; 
His  wifer  dayes  condemn'd  his  witty  works, 
Who  knows  the  fpels  that  in  his  Rhetorick  lurks, 
But  fome  infatuate  fools  foon  caught  therein,        [204] 
Fond  Cupids  Dame  had  never  fuch  a  gin, 
Which  makes  feverer  eyes  but  flight  that  ftory, 
And  men  of  morofe  minds  envy  his  glory: 
But  he's  a  Beetle-head  that  can't  defcry 
A  world  of  wealth  within  that  rubbifh  lye, 
And  doth  his  name,  his  work,  his  honour  wrong, 
The  brave  refiner  of  our  Britifh  tongue, 

Let  then,  none  dif-allow  of  thefe  my  ftraines, 
Which  have  the  felf-fame  blood  yet  in  my  veines  ;  * 
Who  honours  thee  for  what  was  honourable, 
But  leaves  the  reft,  as  moft  unprofitable  : 
Thy  wifer  dayes,  condemn'd  thy  witty  works, 
Who  knowes  the  Spels  that  in  thy  Rethorick  lurks  ? 
But  fome  infatuate  fooles  foone  caught  therein, 
Found  Cupids  Dam,  had  never  fuch  a  Gin ; 
Which  makes  feverer  eyes  but  fcorn  thy  Story, 
And  modeft  Maids,  and  Wives,  blufh.  at  thy  glory ; 
Yet,  he's  a  beetle  head,  that  cann't  difcry 
A  world  of  treafure,  in  that  rubbifh  lye ; 
And  doth  thy  felfe,  thy  worke,  and  honour  wrong, 
(O  brave  Refiner  of  our  Brittijh  Tongue  ;) 
That  fees  not  learning,  valour,  and  morality, 
Juftice,  friendmip,  and  kind  hofpitality; 
Yea,  and  Divinity  within  thy  Book, 
Such  were  prejudicate,  and  did  not  look  : 
But  to  fay  truth,  thy  worth  I'lhall  but  ftaine, 
Thy  fame,  and  praife,  is  farre  beyond  my  ftraine ; 

*  See  page  347,  line  10,  and  Introduction. 


Elegy  upon  Sir' Philip  Sidney.  347 

That  fees  not  learning,  valour  and  morality, 

Juftice,  friendfhip,  and  kind  hofpitality, 

Yea  and  Divinity  within  his  book, 

Such  were  prejudicate,  and  did  not  look. 

In  all  Records  his  name  I  ever  fee 

Put  with  an  Epithite  of  dignity, 

Which  mews  his  worth  was  great,  his  honour  fuch, 

The  love  his  Country  ought  him,  was  as  much. 

Then  let  none  difallow  of  thefe  my  ftraines 

Whilft  Englifh  blood  yet  runs  within  my  veins. 

O  brave  Achilles,  I  wifh  fome  Homer  would 

Engrave  in  Marble,  with  Characters  of  gold 

The  valiant  feats  thou  didfl  on  Flanders  coaft, 

Which  at  this  day  fair  Belgia  may  boaft. 

The  more  I  fay,  the  more  thy  worth  I  ftain, 

Thy  fame  and  praife  is  far  beyond  my  flrain. 

O  Zutphcn,  Zutphen  that  moil  fatal  City 

Made  famous  by  thy  death,  much  more  the  pity: 

Ah!    in  his  blooming  prime  death  pluckt  this  rofe 

E're  he  was  ripe,  his  thread  cut  Atropos. 


Yet  great  Auguftus  was  content  (we  know) 
To  be  faluted  by  a  filly  Crow ; 
Then  let  fuch  Crowes  as  I,  thy  praifes  ling, 
A  Crow's  a  Crow,  and  Ccefar  is  a  King. 
O  brave  Achilles,  I  wifh  fome  Homer  would 
Engrave  on  Marble,  in  characters  of  Gold, 
What  famous  feats  thou  didft,  on  Flanders  coaft, 
Of  which,  this  day,  faire  Belgia  doth  boaft. 
O  Zutphon,  Zutphon,  that  moft  fatall  City, 
Made  famous  by  thy  fall,  much  more's  the  pitty ; 


348  Anne  Bradft  reefs  Works. 

Thus  man  is  born  to  dye,  and  dead  is  he, 

Brave  Heftor,  by  the  walls  of  Troy  we  fee. 

O  who  was  near  thee  but  did  fore  repine  [2O5] 

He  refcued  not  with  life  that  life  of  thine : 

But  yet  impartial  Fates  this  boon  did  give, 

Though  Sidney  di'd  his  valiant  name  mould  live: 

And  live  it  doth  in  fpight  of  death  through  fame, 

Thus  being  overcome,  he  overcame. 

Where  is  that  envious  tongue,  but  can  afford 

Of  this  our  noble  Scipio  fome  good  word. 

Great  Bartas  this  unto  thy  praife  adds  more, 

In  fad  fweet  verfe,  thou  didft  his  death  deplore. 

And  Phcenix  Spencer  doth  unto  his  life, 

His  death  prefent  in  fable  to  his  wife. 

Stella  the  fair,  whofe  flreams  from  Conduits  fell 

For  the  fad  lofs  of  her  dear  AftropheL* 

Ah,  in  his  blooming  prime,  death  pluckt  this  Rofe, 
E're  he  was  ripe ;  his  thred  cut  Atropos. 
Thus  man  is  borne  to  dye,  and  dead  is  he, 
Brave  Hetfor  by  the  walls  of  Troy,  we  fee  : 
Oh,  who  was  neare  thee,  but  did  fore  repine ; 
He  refcued  not  with  life,  that  life  of  thine, 
But  yet  impartiall  Death  this  Boone  did  give, 
Though  Sidney  dy'd,  his  valiant  name  mould  live ; 
And  live  it  doth,  in  fpight  of  death,  through  fame, 

Thus  being  over-come,  he  over-came. 

, ^ 

*  "  Aftrophel.  A  Paftorall  Elegie  upon  the  Death  of  the  moft  noble  and 
valorous  Knight,  Sir  Philip  Sidney.  Dedicated  to  the  moft  beautifull 
and  vertuous  Ladie,  the  Counteffe  of  Effex."  Lady  Sidney,  three  years 
after  her  husband's  death,  married  the  Earl  of  Essex,  Queen  Elizabeth's 
celebrated  favorite.  Child's  Spenser.  Boston,  1855.  vol.  iv.  p.  415. 


Elegy  upon  Sir  Philip  Sidney.  349 

Fain  would  I  fhew  how  he  fames  paths  did  tread, 
But  now  into  fuch  Lab'rinths  I  am  lead, 
With  endlefs  turnes,  the  way  I  find  not  out, 
How  to  perfift  my  Mufe  is  more  in  doubt; 
Which  makes  me  now  with  Silve/ler  confefs, 
But  Sidney's  Mufe  can  fing  his  worth inefs.* 

Where  is  that  envious  tongue,  but  can  afford, 
Of  this  our  noble  Scipio  fome  good  word  ? 
Noble  Bartas,  this  to  thy  praife  adds  more, 
In  fad,  fweet  verfe,  thou  didft  his  death  deplore ; 
Illuftrious  Stella,  thou  didft  thine  full  well, 
If  thine  afpedl  was  milde  to  Aft  r  op  hell ; 
I  feare  thou  wert  a  Commet,  did  portend 
Such  prince  as  he,  his  race  Ihould  ihortly  end  : 
If  fuch  Stars  as  thefe,  fad  prefages  be, 
I  wilh  no  more  fuch  Blazers  we  may  fee ; 
But  thou  art  gone,  fuch  Meteors  never  laft, 
And  as  thy  beauty,  fo  thy  name  would  waft, 
But  that  it  is  record  by  Philips  hand, 
That  fuch  an  omen  once  was  in  our  land, 

0  Princely  Philip,  rather  Alexander, 

Who  wert  of  honours  band,  the  chief  Commander. 
How  could  that  Stella,  fo  confine  thy  will  ? 
To  wait  till  me,  her  influence  diftill, 

1  rather  judg'd  thee  of  his  mind  that  wept, 
To  be  within  the  bounds  of  one  world  kept,f 
But  Omphala,  fet  Hercules  to  fpin, 

And  Mars  himfelf  was  ta'n  by  Venus  gin; 
Then  wonder  leffe,  if  warlike  Philip  yield 
When  fuch  a  Hero  fhoots  him  out  o'  th'  field, 

*  "  Although  I  knoiv  none,  but  a  Sidney's  Mufe, 

Worthy  to  Jtng  a  Sidney's  WorthinrJJe  :  " 

Dedication  to  'An  Elegiac  Epiftle  on  the  deceafe  of  Sir  William  Sidney, 
by  Joshua  Sylvester. 
f  See  page  288. 


350  Anne  Bradftreef s  Works. 

The  Mufes  aid  I  crav'd,  they  had  no  will 

To  give  to  their  Detractor  any  quill, 

With  high  difdain,  they  faid  they  gave  no  more, 

Since  Sidney  had  exhaufled  all  their  ftore. 

They  took  from  me  the  fcribling  pen  I  had, 

(I  to  be  eas'd  of  fuch  a  task  was  glad) 

Yet  this  preheminence  thou  haft  above, 

That  thine  was  true,  but  theirs  adult'rate  love. 

Fain  would  I  fhew,  how  thou  fame's  path  didft  tread, 

But  now  into  fuch  Lab'rinths  am  I  led 

With  endlefie  turnes,  the  way  I  find  not  out, 

For  to  perfift,  mj  mufe  is  more  in  doubt : 

Calls  me  ambitious  fool,  that  durft  afpire, 

Enough  for  me  to  look,  and  fo  admire. 

And  makes  me  now  with  Sylvejler  confefie, 

But  Sydney's,  Mufe,  can  fing  his  worthinefie. 

Too  late  mj  errour  fee,  that  durft  prefume 

To  fix  my  faltring  lines  upon  his  tomb  : 

Which  are  in  worth,  as  far  Ihort  of  his  due, 

As  Vulcan  is,  of  Venus  native  hue. 

Goodwill,  did  make  my  head-long  pen  to  run, 

Like  unwife  Phaeton  his  ill  guided  fonne, 

Till  taught  to's  coft,  for  his  too  hafty  hand, 

He  left  that  charge  by  Phoebus  to  be  man'd  : 

So  proudly  foolifh  I,  with  Phaeton  ftrive, 

Fame's  flaming  Chariot  for  to  drive. 

Till  terrour-ftruck  for  my  too  weighty  charge. 

I  leave't  in  brief,  Apollo  do't  at  large. 

Apollo  laught  to  patch  up  what's  begun, 

He  bad  me  drive,  and  he  would  hold  the  Sun ; 

Better  my  hap,  then  was  his  darlings  fate, 

For  dear  regard  he  had  of  Sydney's  ftate, 

Who  in  his  Deity,  had  fo  deep"  fhare, 

That  thofe  that  name  his  fame,  he  needs  muft  fpare, 

He  promis'd  much,  but  th'  mufes  had  no  will, 

To  give  to  their  detractor  any  quill. 


Elegy  upon  Sir  Philip  Sidney.  351 

Then  to  reveng  this  wrong,  themfelves  engage, 
And  drave  me  from  Parnajfus  in  a  rage. 
Then  wonder  not  if  I  no  better  fped, 
Since  I  the  Mufes  thus  have  injured. 
I  penlive  for  my  fault,  fate  down,  and  then  [206] 

Errata  through  their  leave,  threw  me  my  pen, 
My  Poem  to  conclude,  two  lines  they  deign 
Which  writ,  me  bad  return't  to  them  again ; 

9  O  7 

So  Sidneys  fame  I  leave  to  Englands  Rolls, 
His  bones  do  lie  interr'd  in  {lately  Pauls. 

\. 

His  Epitaph. 

Here  lies  in  fame  under  this  ftone, 
Philip  and  Alexander  both  in  one; 

With  high  difdain,  they  faid  they  gave  no  more, 
Since  Sydney  had  exhaufted  all  their  ftore, 
That  this  contempt  it  did  the  more  perplex, 
In  being  done  by  one  of  their  own  fex; 
They  took  from  me,  the  fcribling  pen  I  had, 
I  to  be  eas'd  of  fuch  a  tafk  was  glad. 
For  to  revenge  his  wrong,  themfelves  ingage, 
And  drave  me  from  ParnaJJTus  in  a  rage, 
Not  becaufe,  fweet  Sydney's  fame  was  not  dear, 
But  I  had  blemilh'd  theirs,  to  make  't  appear : 
I  peniive  for  my  fault,  fat  down,  and  then, 
Errata,  through  their  leave  threw  me  my  pen, 
For  to  conclude  my  poem  two  lines  they  daigne, 
Which'  writ,  me  bad  return  't  to  them  again. 
So  Sydney's  fame,  I  leave  to  England's  Rolls, 
His  bones  do  lie  interr'd  in  ftately  Pauls. 

His  Epitaph. 

Here  lies  intomVd  in  fame,  under  this  ftone, 
Philip  and  Alexander  both  in  one. 


352 


Anne  Brad/I 'reefs  Works. 


Heir  to  the  Mufes,  the  Son  of  Mars  in  Truth, 
Learning,  Valour,  Wifdome,  all  in  virtuous  youth, 
His  praife  is  much,  this  mall  fuffice  my  pen, 
That  Sidney  dy'd  'mong  moft  renown'd  of  men. 

Heire  to  the  Mufes,  the  Son  of  Mars  in  truth, 
Learning,  valour,  beauty,  all  in  virtuous  youth  : 
His  praife  is  much,  this  JJiall  fuffice  my  pen, 
That  Sidney  dfd  the  quintejfence  of  men. 


In  honour  of  Du  Bartas^  i  64  i.* 

A   mong  the  happy  wits  this  age  hath  fhown, 
4   *-  Great,  dear,  fweet  Bartas  thou  art  matchlefs 

known; 

My  ravifh'd  Eyes  and  heart  with  faltering  tongue. 
In  humble  wife  have  vow'd  their  fervice  long, 
But  knowing  th'  task  fo  great,  &  ftrength  but  fmall, 
Gave  o're  the  work  before  begun  withal, 
My  dazled  fight  of  late  review'd  thy  lines, 
Where  Art,  and  more  then  Art,  in  nature  fhines, 
Reflection  from  their  beaming  Altitude, 
Did  thaw  my  frozen  hearts  ingratitude; 
Which  Rayes  darting  upon  fome  richer  ground,  [207] 
Had  caufed  flours  and  fruits  foon  to  abound; 
But  barren  I  my  Dafey  here  do  bring, 
A  homely  flour  in  this  my  latter  Spring, 
If  Summer,  or  my  Autumn  age  do  yield, 
Flours,  fruits,  in  Garden,  Orchard,  or  in  Field, 
They  fhall  be  confecrated  in  my  Verfe, 
And  proftrate  offered  at  great  Bartas  Herfe; 

*  For  an  account  of  Du  Bartas,  see  Introduction. 

45 


354  Anne  Bradftreefs  Works. 

My  mufe  unto  a  Child  I  may"  compare, 

Who  fees  the  riches  of  fome  famous  Fair, 

He  feeds  his  Eyes,  but  underftanding  lacks 

To  comprehend  the  worth  of  all  thofe  knacks: 

The  glittering  plate  and  Jewels  he  admires, 

The  Hats  and  Fans,  the  Plumes  and  Ladies  tires, 

And  thoufand  times  his  mazed  mind  doth  wim 

Some  part  (at  leaft)  of  that  brave  wealth  was  his, 

But  feeing  empty  wimes  nought  obtain, 

At  night  turns  to  his  Mothers  cot  again, 

And  tells  her  tales,  (his  full  heart  over  glad) 

Of  all  the  glorious  fights  his  Eyes  have  had: 

But  finds  too  foon  his  want  of  Eloquence, 

The  filly  pratler  fpeaks  no  word  of  fenfe; 

But  feeing  utterance  fail  his  great  defires, 

Sits  down  in  lilence,  deeply  he  admires: 

Thus  weak  brain'd  I,  reading  thy  lofty  ftile, 

Thy  profound  learning,  viewing  other  while; 

Thy  Art  in  natural  Philofophy, 

Thy  Saint  like  mind  in  grave  Divinity; 

Thy  piercing  skill  in  high  Aftronomy, 

And  curious  infight  in  Anatomy: 

Thy  Phyfick,  mufick  and  ftate  policy,  [208] 

Valour  in  warr,  in  peace  good  husbandry. 

Sure  lib'ral  Nature  did  with  Art  not  fmall, 

In  all  the  arts  make  thee  moft  liberal. 

A  thoufand  thoufand  times  my  fenflefs  fences 

Movelefs  flancl  charm'd  by  thy  fweet  influences; 

a  I  fitly  may. 


In  Honour  of  Du  Bartas.  355 

• 

More  fenflefs  then  the  ftones  to  Amphions  Lute, 

Mine  eyes  are  fightlefs,  and  my  tongue  is  mute, 

My  full  aflonim'd  heart  cloth  pant  to  break, 

Through  grief  it  wants  a  faculty  to  fpeak: 

Volleyes  of  praifes  could  I  eccho  then, 

Had  I  an  Angels  voice,  or  Bartas  pen : 

But  wifhes  can't  'accomplim  my  delire, 

Pardon  if  I  adore,  when  I  admire. 

O  France  thou  did'ft  in  him  more  glory  gain 

Then  in  thy  Martel,  Pipin,  Charlemain, 

Then  in  St.  Lewes,  or  thy  lafb  Henry  Great, 

Who  tam'd  his  foes  in  warrs,  in  bloud  b  and  fweat. 

Thy  fame  is  fpread  as  far,  I  dare  be  bold, 

In  all  the  Zones,  the  temp'rate,  hot  and  cold. 

Their  Trophies  were  but  heaps  of  wounded  flain, 

Thine,  the  quinteflence  of  an  heroick  brain. 

The  oaken  Garland  ought  to  deck  their  brows, 

Immortal  Bayes  to  thee  all  men  allows. 

Who  in  thy  tryumphs  never  won  by  wrongs, 

Lead'ft  millions  chaind  by  eyes,  by  ears,  by  tongues 

Oft  have  I  wondred  at  the  hand  of  heaven, 

In  giving  one  wrhat  would  have  ferved  feven. 

If  e're  this  golden  gift  was  fhowr'd  on  any, 

Thy  double  portion  would  have  ferved  many. 

Unto  each  man  his  riches  is  aflign'd  [2O9] 

Of  Name,  of  State,  of  Body  and  of  Mind : 

Thou  hadft  thy  part  of  all,  but  of  the  laft, 

O  pregnant  brain,  O  comprehenlion  vaft: 

b  foes,  in  bloud,  in  skarres. 


356  Anne  Bradjlreef*  s  Works. 

Thy  haughty  Stile  and  rapted  wit  fublime 

All  ages  wondring  at,  fhall  never  climb. 

Thy  facred  works  are  not  for  imitation, 

But  Monuments  to  future  Admiration. 

Thus  Bartas  fame  fhall  lafb  while  ftarrs  do  Hand, 

And  whilft  there's  Air  or  Fire,  or  Sea  or  Land. 

But  leaft  mine  ignorance  mould  do  thee  wrong, 

To  celebrate  thy  merits  in  my  Song. 

Fie  leave  thy  praife  to  thofe  fhall  do  thee  right, 

Good  will,  not  skill,  did  caufe  me  bring  my  Mite. 

His  Epitaph. 

Here  lyes  the  Pearle  of  France,  Parnaffus  Glory; 
The  World  rejoyc'd  afs  birth,  at^s  death  was  forry. 
Art  and  Nature  joy  rid,  by  heavens  high  decree 
Now  /hew* d  what  once  they  ought,  Humanity : 
And  Natures  Law,  had  it  been  revocable 
To  refcue  him  from  death,  Art  had  been  able. 
But  Nature  vanquiftfd  Art,fo  Bartas  dy*d\ 
But  Fame  out-living  both,  he  is  revived. 


In  Honour  of  that  High  and  Mighty  Princefs  [210] 

Queen  Elizabeth     '. 

OF    HAPPY    MEMORY.'1 

The  Proeme. 

\   Lthough  great  Queen  thou  now  in  lilence  lye 
4*1  Yet  thy  loud  Herald  Fame  doth  to  the  sky 
Thy  wondrous  worth  proclaim  in  every  Clime, 
And  fo  hath  vow'd  while  there  is  world  or  time. 
So  great's  thy  glory  and  thine  excellence, 
The  found  thereof  rapts b  every  humane  fence, 
That  men  account  it  no  impiety, 
To  fay  thou  wert  a  flefhly  Diety: 
Thoufands  bring  offerings  (though  out  of  date) 
Thy  world  of  honours  to  accumulate, 
'Mongft  hundred  Hecatombs  of  roaring  verfe, 
Mine  bleating  ftands  before  thy  royal  Herfe. 
Thou  never  didft  nor  canft  thou  now  difdain 
T'  accept  the  tribute  of  a  loyal  brain. 


a  of  moft  happy  memory. 


raps. 


358  Anne  Bradftreet's  Works. 

Thy  clemency  did  yerfl  efteem  as  much 

The  acclamations  of  the  poor  as  rich, 

Which  makes  me  deem  my  rudenefs  is  no  wrong, 

Though  I  refound  thy  praifes^  'mongft  the  throng. 

The  Poem.  [2I1] 

No  Phoenix  pen,  nor  Spencers  poetry, 
No  Speeds*  nor  Cambdens^  learned  Hiftory, 
Elizahs  works,  warrs,  praife,  can  e're  compact, 
The  World's  the  Theatre  where  me  did  a6t. 
No  memoryes  nor  volumes  can  contain 
The  'leven^  Olympiads  of  her  happy  reign: 
Who  was  fo  good,  fo  juft,  fo  learn'd  fo  wife, 
From  all  the  Kings  on  earth  me  won  the  prize. 

c  greatnefie.  <t  nine. 

*  "  THE  HISTORIE  OF  GREAT  BRITAINE  VNDER  THE  CON- 
QVESTS  OF  THE  ROMANS,  SAXONS,  DANES  and  NORMANS. 
Their  Originals,  Manners,  Habits,  VVarres,  Coines,  and  Scales :  with  the 
Succefsions,  Liues,  Adls,  and  Iffues  of  the  ENGLISH  MONARCHS,  from 
IVLIVS  C/ESAR,  to  our  moft  gracious  Soueraigne,  KING  IAMES."  "  By 
IOHN  SPEED."  London,  1623. 

t  "ANNALES  RERVM  ANGLICARVM  ET  HIBERNICARVM, 
REGNANTE  ELIZABETHA,  Ad  ANNVM  SALVTIS  M.D.LXXXIX. 
GVILIELMO  CAMDENO  AVTHORE.  LONDINI,  M.DC.XV." 

"  ANNALES  OR,  THE  HISTORY  OF  THE  MOST  RENOWNED 
and  Victorious  Princeffe  ELIZABETH,  Late  Queen  of  England.  Con- 
tayning  all  the  Important  and  Remarkable  Passages  of  State,  both  at  Home 
and  Abroad,  during  her  Long  and  Prosperous  Reigne.  Written  in  Latin 
by  the  learned  Mr  WILLIAM  CAMDEN.  Translated  into  EngliJJi  by 
R.  N.  Gent.  Together  -with  divers  Additions  of  the  Authors  never  before 
publi/hed.  The  third  Edition"  London,  1635. 


In  Honour  of  £>ueen  Elizabeth.  359 

Nor  fay  I  more  then  duly  is  her  due, 

Millions  will  teflifie  that  this  is  true. 

She  hath  wip'd  off  th'  afperlion  of  her  Sex, 

That  women  wifdome  lack  to  play  the  Rex: 

Spains  Monarch,  fayes  not  fo,  nor  yet  his  hoft: 

She  taught  them  better  manners,  to  their  colt. 

The  Salique  law,  in  force  now  had  not  been, 

If  France  had  ever  hop'd  for  fuch  a  Queen. 

But  can  you  Doctors  now  this  point  difpute, 

She's  Argument  enough  to  make  you  mute. 

Since  firft  the  fun  did  run  his  nere  run  race, 

And  earth  had  once '  a  year,  a  new  old  face, 

Since  time  was  time,  and  man  unmanly  man, 

Come  mew  me  fuch  a  Phoenix  if  you  can  ? 

Was  ever  people  better  rul'd  then  hers  / 

Was  ever  land  more  happy  freed  from  ftirrs  ? 

Did  ever  wealth  in  England  more7  abound  ? 

Her  vidloryes  in  forreign  Coafts  refouncl, 

Ships  more  invincible  then  Spain^s,  her  foe 

She  wrackt,  me  fackt,  me  funk  his  Armado: 

Her  ilately  troops  advanced  to  Lisbons  wall         [2I2] 

Don  Anthony  in's  right  there  to  inftall. 

She  frankly  helpt,  Franks  brave  diftreffed  King, 

The  States  united  now  her  fame  do  fing, 

She  their  Prote6lrix  was,  they  well  do  know 

Unto  our  dread  Virago,  what  they  owe. 

Her  Nobles  facrific'd  their  noble  blood, 

Nor  men  nor  Coyn  (he  fpar'd  to  do  them  good. 

f  twice.  /  fo. 


360  Anne  Bradft  reefs  Works. 

The  rude  untamed  IrifJi,  fhe  did  quel, 

Before  her  picture  the  proud  Tyrone  fell.^ 

Had  ever  prince  fuch  Counfellours  as  fhe  ? 

Her  felf  Minerva  caus'd  them  fo  to  be. 

Such  Captains  and  fuch  fouldiers  never  feen, 

As  were  the  Subjects  of  our  Pallas  Queen. 

Her  Sea-men  through  all  ftraights  the  world  did  round ; 

Terra  incognita  might  know  the  h  found. 

Her  Drake  came  laden  home  with  Spanifh  gold: 

Her  EJfex  took  Cades,  their  Herculean  Hold: 

But  time  would  fail  me,  fo  my  tongue'  would  to, 

To  tell  of  half  fhe  did,  or  fhe  could  doe. 

Semiramis  to  her,  is  but  obfcure, 

More  infamy  then  fame,  fhe  did  procure. 

She  built-7  her  glory  but  on  Babels  walls, 

Worlds  wonder  for  a  while,  but  yet  it  falls. 

Fierce  Tomris,  (Cyrus  heads-man)  Scythians  queen, 

Had  put  her  harnefs  off,  had  fhee  but  feen 

Our  Amazon  in  th'  Camp  of  Tilbury  f 

Judging  all  valour  and  all  Majefty 

Within  that  Princefs  to  have  relidence, 

And  proftrate  yielded  to  her  excellence. 

Dido  firft  Foundrefs  of  proud  Carthage  walls,      [213] 

(Who  living  confummates  her  Funeralls) 

A  great  Eliza,  but  compar'd  with  ours, 

How  vanifheth  her  glory,  wealth  and  powers. 

Profufe,  proud  Cleopatra,  whofe  wrong  name, 

Inftead  of  glory,  prov'd  her  Countryes  fhame: 

£•  And  Tiron  bound,  before  her  pidlure  fell.  h  her. 

i  wit.  j  plac'd.  k  at  Tilberry: 


In  Honour  of  J^jieen  Elizabeth.  361 

Of  her  what  worth  in  Storyes  to  be  feen, 

But  that  fhe  was  a  rich  Egyptian  Queen. 

Zenobya  potent  .Zfmprefs  of  the  Eafl, 

And  of  all  thefe,  without  compare  the  befb, 

Whom  none  but  great  Aurelius  could  quel; 

Yet  for  our  Queen  is  no  fit  Parallel. 

She  was  a  Phoenix  Queen,  fo  mall  fhe  be, 

Her  afhes  not  reviv'd,  more  Phcenix  fhe. 

Her  perfonal  perfections,  who  would  tell, 

Muft  dip  his  pen  in  th'  Heleconian  Well, 

Which  I  may  not,  my  pride  doth  but  afpire 

To  read  what  others  write,  and  fo /  admire. 

Now  fay,  have  women  worth/    or  have  they  none? 

Or  had  they  fome,  but  with  our  Queen  is't  gone  ? 

Nay  Mafculines,  you  have  thus  taxt  us  long, 

But  fhe,  though  dead,  will  vindicate  our  wrong. 

Let  fuch  as  fay  our  Sex  is  void  of  Reafon, 

Know  tis  a  Slander  now,  but  once  was  Treafon. 

But  happy  England  which  had  fuch  a  Queen ; 

Yeaw  happy,  happy,  had  thofe  dayes  flill  been: 

But  happinefs  lyes  in  a  higher  fphere, 

Then  wonder  not  Eliza  moves  not  here. 

Full  fraught  with  honour,  riches  and  with  dayes 

She  fet,  fhe  fet,  like  Titan  in  his  rayes. 

No  more  mall  rife  or  fet  fo  *  glorious  fun  [2I4l 

Untill  the  heavens  great  revolution, 

If  then  new  things  their  old  forms  mall "  retain, 

Eliza  fhall  rule  Albion  once  again. 

/  then.  ^  O.  «  fuch.  °  mufb 

46 


362  Anne  Brad/lree?  s  Works. 


HER     EPITAPH. 

Here  Jleeps  THE  Queen,  this  is  the  Royal  Bed, 

Of  th?  Damask  Rofe,  fprung  from  the  white  and  red, 

Whofe  fweet  perfume  fills  the  all-  filling  Air\ 

This  Rofe  is  withered,  once  fo  lovely  fair. 

On  neither  tree  did  grow  fuch  Rofe  before, 

The  greater  was  our  gain,  our  lofs  the  more. 

Another. 

Here  lyes  the  pride  of  Queens,  Pattern  of  Kings, 
So  blaze  it  Fame,  her  J  s  feathers  for  thy  wings. 
Here  lyes  the  envied,  yet  unpar  ailed  Prince, 
Whofe  living  virtues  f  peak,  (though  dead  long  fence) 
If  many  worlds,  as  that  Fanta/lick  fram*  d, 
In  every  one  be  her  great  glory  f 


*  This  is  dated  1643  in  the  first  edition. 


Davids  Lamentation  for     [215] 
Saul  and  Jonathan* 

2.  Sam.  i.  19. 

A   Las  (lain  is  the  Head  of  Ifrael, 
•*•   ^  Illuftrious  Saul  whofe  beauty  did  excell, 
Upon  thy  places  mountainous  and  high, 
How  did  the  Mighty  fall,  and  falling  dye? 
In  Gath  let  not  this  things  be  fpoken  on, 
Nor  publifhed  in  ftreets  of  Askalon, 
Left  daughters  of  the  Philiftines  rejoyce, 
Left  the  uncircumcis'd  lift  up  their  voice. 
O  Gilbo  Mounts,  let  never  pearled  dew, 
Nor  fruitfull  fhowres  your  barren  tops  beftrew, 
Nor  fields  of  offrings  ever  on  you  grow, 
Nor  any  pleafant  thing  e're  may  you  (how; 
For  there  the"  Mighty  Ones  did  foon  decay, 
The  fhield  of  Saul  was  vilely  caft  away, 

*  This  is  the  last  piece  but  one  in  the  first  edition.  The  last,  "  Of  the 
vanity  of  all  'worldly  creatures"  is  printed  on  pages  233-235  of  the  second 
edition,  under  the  title  of  "  The  Vanity  of  all  -worldly  things."  All  the 
following  poems,  with  this  exception,  were  published  for  the  first  time  in 
the  second  edition.  a  For  the. 


364  Anne  Bradft  reefs  Works. 

There  had  his  dignity  fo  fore  a  foyle, 
As  if  his  head  ne're  felt  the  facred  oyle. 
Sometimes  from  crimfon,  blood  of  gaftly  ilain, 
The  bow  of  Jonathan  ne're  turned  in  vain: 
Nor  from  the  fat,  and  fpoils  of  Mighty  men 
With  bloodlefs  fword  did  Saul  turn  back  agen. 
Pleafant  and  lovely,  were  they  both  in  life, 
And  in  their  death  was  found  no  parting  ftrife. 
Swifter  then  fwiftefl  Eagles  fo  were  they, 
Stronger  then  Lions  ramping  for  their  prey. 
O  Ifraels  Dames,  o'reflow  your  beauteous  eyes 
For  valiant  Saul  who  on  Mount  Gilbo  lyes, 
Who  cloathed  you  in  Cloath  of  richeft  Dye, 
And  choice  delights,  full  of  variety, 
On  your  array  put  ornaments  of  gold, 
Which  made  you  yet  more  beauteous  to  behold 
O!  how  in  Battle  did  the  mighty  fall 
In  midft  of  fbrength  not  fuccoured  at  all. 
O  lovely  Jonathan\  how  wail  thou  ilain? 
In  places  high,  full  low  thou  didft  remain. 
Diftreft  for  thee  I  am,  dear  Jonathan, 
Thy  love  was  wonderfull,  furpaffing  man/ 
Exceeding  all  the  love  that's  Feminine, 
So  pleafant  haft  thou  been,  dear  brother  mine, 
How  are  the  mighty  fall'n  into  decay? 
And  warlike  weapons  perifhed  away? 

^  paffing  a  man. 


To  the  Memory  of  my  dear  and  ever  honoured  Father 

Thomas  Dudley  Efq; 

Who  deceafed,  July  31.  1653.  and  of  his  Age,  77. 

T3  Y  duty  bound,  and  not  by  cuftome  led 

*-^  To  celebrate  the  praifes  of  the  dead, 

My  mournfull  mind,  fore  preft,  in  trembling  verfe 

Prefents  my  Lamentations  at  his  Herfe, 

Who  wa's  my  Father,  Guide,  Inftru6ter  too, 

To  whom  I  ought  whatever  I  could  doe: 

Nor  is't  Relation  near  my  hand  fhall  rye; 

For  who  more  caufe  to  boaft  his  worth  then  \? 

Who  heard  or  faw,  obferv'd  or  knew  him  better? 

Or  wrho  alive  then  I,  a  greater  debtor? 

Let  malice  bite,  and  envy  knaw  its  fill, 

He  was  my  Father,  and  He  praife  him  ftill. 

Nor  was  his  name,  or  life  lead  fo  obfcure 

That  pitty  might  fome  Trumpeters  procure. 

Who  after  death  might  make  him  falfly  feem 

Such  as  in  life,  no  man  could  juftly  deem. 

Well  known  and  lov'd,  where  ere  he  liv'd,  by  moft 

Both  in  his  native,  and  in  foreign  coaft, 


366  Anne  Bradftreefs  Works. 

Thefe  to  the  world  his  merits  could  make  known, 

So  needs  no  Teftimonial  from  his  own; 

But  now  or  never  I  muft  pay  my  Sum; 

While  others  tell  his  worth,  Fie  not  be  dumb: 

One  of  thy  Founders,  him  Neiv- En  gland  know,  [218] 

Who  ftaid  thy  feeble  fides  when  thou  waft  low, 

Who  fpent  his  ftate,  his  ftrength,  &  years  with  care 

That  After-comers  in  them  might  have  fhare. 

True  Patriot  of  this  little  Commonweal, 

Who  is't  can  tax  thee  ought,  but  for  thy  zeal  ? 

Truths  friend  thou  wert,  to  errors  ftill  a  foe, 

Which  caus'd  Apoftates  to  maligne  fo. 

Thy  love  to  true  Religion  e're  mall  mine, 

My  Fathers  God,  be  God  of  me  and  mine. 

Upon  the  earth  he  did  not  build  his  neft, 

But  as  a  Pilgrim,  what  he  had,  pofleft. 

High  thoughts  he  gave  no  harbour  in  his  heart, 

Nor  honours  pufft  him  up,  when  he  had  part: 

Thofe  titles  loath'd,  which  fome  too  much  do  love 

For  truly  his  ambition  lay  above. 

His  humble  mind  fo  lov'd  humility, 

He  left  it  to  his  race  for  Legacy: 

And  oft  and  oft,  with  fpeeches  mild  and  wife, 

Gave  his  in  charge,  that  Jewel  rich  to  prize. 

No  orientation  feen  in  all  his  wayes, 

As  in  the  mean  ones,  of  our  foolifh  dayes, 

Which  all  they  have,  and  more  ftill  fet  to  view, 

Their  greatnefs  may  be  judg'd  by  what  they  mew. 


To  the  Memory  of  her  Father.  367 

His  thoughts  were  more  fublime,  his  actions  wife, 

Such  vanityes  he  juflly  did  defpife. 

Nor  wonder  'twas,  low  things  ne'r  much  did  move 

For  he  a  Manfion  had,  prepared  above, 

For  which  he  figh'd  and  pray'd  &  long'd  full  fore 

He  might  be  cloath'd  upon,  for  evermore. 

Oft  fpake  of  death,  and  with  a  fmiling  chear,        [219] 

He  did  exult  his  end  was  drawing  near, 

Now  fully  ripe,  as  mock  of  wheat  that's  grown, 

Death  as  a  Sickle  hath  him  timely  mown, 

And  in  celeftial  Barn  hath  housed  him  high, 

O       7 

Where  ftorms,  nor  fhowrs,  nor  ought  can  damnifie. 

His  Generation  ferv'd,  his  labours  ceafe; 

And  to  his  Fathers  gathered  is  in  peace. 

Ah  happy  Soul,  'mongft  Saints  and  Angel  s  bleft, 

Who  after  all  his  toyle,  is  now  at  reft: 

His  hoary  head  in  righteoufnefs  was  found: 

As  joy  in  heaven  on  earth  let  praife  refound. 

Forgotten  never  be  his  memory, 

His  bleffing  reft  on  his  pofterity: 

His  pious  Footfteps  followed  by  his  race, 

At  laft  will  bring  us  to  that  happy  place 

Where  we  with  joy  each  others  face  fhall  fee, 

And  parted  more  by  death  fhall  never  be. 

His  Epitaph. 

Within  this  Tomb  a  Patriot  lyes 
That  was  both  pious^juft  and -wife, 


368  Anne  Bradftree£*s  Works. 

To  Truth  ajhield,  to  right  a   Wall, 

To  Seftaryes  a  'whip  and  Maul, 

A  Magazine  of  Hi/lory, 

A  Prizer  of  good  Company 

In  manners  pleafant  and  fevere 

The  Good  him  lotfd,  the  bad  did  fear, 

And  when  his  time  'with  years  'W  as  f pent 

If  fome  rejoyc*d,  more  did  lament. 


An  EPITAPH  [220] 

On  my  dear  and  ever  honoured  Mother 

Mrs.  Dorothy  Dudley, 

'who  deceafed  Decemb.  27.  1643.  and  of  her  age,  61 : 

Here  lyes, 
Worthy  Matron  of  unfpotted  life, 


A 


A  loving  Mother  and  obedient  -wife, 
A  friendly  Neighbor,  pitiful  to  poor, 
Whom  oft  Jhe  fed,  and  clothed 'with  herftore; 
To  Servants  wifely  aiveful,  but  yet  kind, 
And  as  they  did,fo  they  reward  did find\ 
A  true  Inftru&er  of  her  Family, 
The  which  Jhe  ordered -with  dexterity. 
The  publick  meetings  ever  did  frequent, 
And  in  her  Clofet  conftant  hours  Jlie  fpent; 
Religious  in  all  her  -words  and  wayes, 
Prep  aringjl  ill  for  death,  till  end  of  dayes: 
Of  all  her  Children,  Children,  liv>d  to  fee, 
Then  dying,  left  a  bleffed  memory. 

47 


CONTEMPLATIONS, 


OOme  time  now  paft  in  the  Autumnal  Tide, 
ls-^  When  Phaebits  wanted  but  one  hour  to  bed, 
The  trees  all  richly  clad,  yet  void  of  pride, 
Where  gilded  o're  by  his  rich  golden  head. 
Their  leaves  &  fruits  feem'd  painted,  but  was  true 
Of  green,  of  red,  of  yellow,  mixed  hew, 
Rapt  were  my  fences  at  this  delectable  view. 


I  wift  not  what  to  wiih,  yet  lure  thought  I, 
If  fo  much  excellence  abide  below; 
How  excellent  is  he  that  dwells  on  high? 
Whofe  power  and  beauty  by  his  works  we  know. 
Sure  he  is  goodnefs,  wifdome,  glory,  light. 
That  hath  this  under  world  fo  richly  dight: 
More  Heaven  then  Earth  was  here  no  winter  &  no 
night. 


Contemplations. 


Then  on  a  ftately  Oak  I  caft  mine  Eye, 
Whole  ruffling  top  the  Clouds  feem'd  to  afpire; 
How  long  lince  thou  wail  in  thine  Infancy? 
Thy  ftrength,  and  ftature,  more  thy  years  admire, 
Hath  hundred  winters  paft  lince  thou  waft  born  f 
Or  thoufand  fince  thou  brakeft  thy  fhell  of  horn, 
If  fo,  all  thefe  as  nought,  Eternity  doth  fcorn. 

4  [223] 

Then  higher  on  the  gliftering  Sun  I  gaz'd, 

Whofe  beams  was  fhaded  by  the  leavie  Tree, 

The  more  I  look'd,  the  more  I  grew  amaz'd, 

And  foftly  faid,  what  glory's  like  to  thee  ? 

Soul  of  this  world,  this  Univerfes  Eye, 

No  wonder,  fome  made  thee  a  Deity: 

Had  I  not  better  known,  (alas)  the  fame  had  I. 


Thou  as  a  Bridegroom  from  thy  Chamber  rufhes, 

And  as  a  ftrong  man,  joyes  to  run  a  race, 

The  morn  doth  ufher  thee,  with  fmiles  &  blufhes, 

The  Earth  reflects  her  glances  in  thy  face. 

Birds,  infects,  Animals  with  Vegative, 

Thy  heart  from  death  and  dulnefs  doth  revive: 

And  in  the  darkfome  womb  of  fruitful  nature  dive. 


372  Anne  Bradft  reefs  Works. 

6 

Thy  fwift  Annual,  and  diurnal  Courfe, 

Thy  daily  ftreight,  and  yearly  oblique  path, 

Thy  pleafing  fervor,  and  thy  fcorching  force, 

All  mortals  here  the  feeling  knowledg  hath. 

Thy  prefence  makes  it  day,  thy  abfence  night, 

Quaternal  Seafons  caufed  by  thy  might: 

Hail  Creature,  full  of  fweetnefs,  beauty  &  delight. 


Art  thou  fo  full  of  glory,  that  no  Eye 

Hath  ftrength,  thy  mining  Rayes  once  to  behold? 

And  is  thy  fplendid  Throne  erecl  fo  high? 

As  to  approach  it,  can  no  earthly  mould. 

How  full  of  glory  then  muft  thy  Creator  be  ? 

Who  gave  this  bright  light  lufter  unto  thee: 

Admir'd,  ador'd  for  ever,  be  that  Majefty. 

•     8  [222] 

Silent  alone,  where  none  or  faw,  or  heard, 

In  pathlefs  paths  I  lead  my  wandring  feet, 

My  humble  Eyes  to  lofty  Skyes  I  rear'd 

To  fmg  fome  Song,  my  mazed  Mufe  thought  meet. 

My  great  Creator  I  would  magnifie, 

That  nature  had,  thus  decked  liberally: 

But  Ah,  and  Ah,  again,  my  imbecility! 


Con  templations. 


I  heard  the  merry  grafhopper  then  fing, 

The  black  clad  Cricket,  bear  a  fecond  part, 

They  kept  one  tune,  and  plaid  on  the  fame  firing, 

Seeming  to  glory  in  their  little  Art. 

Shall  Creatures  abject,  thus  their  voices  raife  f 

And  in  their  kind  reibund  their  makers  praife: 

Whilft  I  as  mute,  can  warble  forth  no  higher  layes. 


10 

When  prefent  times  look  back  to  Ages  part, 

And  men  in  being  fancy  thofe  are  dead, 

It  makes  things  gone  perpetually  to  laft, 

And  calls  back  moneths  and  years  that  long  fince  fled 

It  makes  a  man  more  aged  in  conceit, 

Then  was  Methufelah,  or's  grand-fire  great: 

While  of  their  perfons  &  their  a6ts  his  mind  doth  treat. 


ii 

Sometimes  xin  Eden  fair,  he  feems  to  be, 
Sees  glorious  Adam  there  made  Lord  of  all, 
Fancyes  the  Apple,  dangle  on  the  Tree, 
That  turn'd  his  Sovereign  to  a  naked  thral. 
Who  like  a  mifcreant's  driven  from  that  place, 
To  get  his  bread  with  pain,  and  fweat  of  face: 
A  penalty  impos'd  on  his  backfliding  Race. 


374  Anne  Bradft  reefs   Works. 

12  [224] 

Here  fits  our  Grandame  in  retired  place, 
And  in  her  lap,  her  bloody  Cain  new  born, 
The  weeping  Imp  oft  looks  her  in  the  face, 
Bewails  his  unknown  hap,  and  fate  forlorn; 
His  Mother  fighs,  to  think  of  Paradife, 
And  how  fhe  loft  her  blifs,  to  be  more  wife, 
Believing  him  that  was,  and  is,  Father  of  lyes. 


Here  Cain  and  Abel  come  to  facrfiice, 

Fruits  of  the  Earth,  and  Fatlings  each  do  bring, 

On  Abels  gift  the  fire  defcends  from  Skies, 

But  no  fuch  fign  on  falfe  Cairfs  offering; 

With  fullen  hateful  looks  he  goes  his  wayes. 

Hath  thoufand  thoughts  to  end  his  brothers  dayes, 

Upon  whofe  blood  his  future  good  he  hopes  to  raife 


H 

There  Abel  keeps  his  fheep,  no  ill  he  thinks, 
His  brother  comes,  then  acl;s  his  fratricide, 
The  Virgin  Earth,  of  blood  her  firft  draught  drinks 
But  fince  that  time  me  often  hath  been  cloy'd; 
The  wretch  with  gaftly  face  'and  dreadful  mind, 
Thinks  each  he  fees  will  ferve  him  in  his  kind, 
Though  none  on  Earth  but  kindred  near  then  could  he 
find. 


Contemplations. 


15 

Who  fancyes  not  his  looks  now  at  the  Barr, 

His  face  like  death,  his  heart  with  horror  fraught, 

Nor  Male-fa6tor  ever  felt  like  warr, 

When  deep  difpair,  with  wiih  of  life  hath  fought, 

Branded  with  guilt,  and  crufht  with  treble  woes, 

A  Vagabond  to  Land  of  Nod  he  goes. 

A  City  builds,  that  wals  might  him  fecure  from  foes. 


16  [225] 

' 

Who  thinks  not  oft  upon  the  Fathers  ages. 

Their  long  defcent,  how  nephews  fons  they  faw, 

The  ftarry  obfervations  of  thofe  Sages, 

And  how  their  precepts  to  their  fons  were  law, 

How  Adam  iigh'd  to  fee  his  Progeny, 

Cloath'd  all  in  his  black  finfull  Liver}7, 

Who  neither  guilt,  nor  yet  the  punifhment  could  fly. 


17 

Our  Life  compare  we  with  their  length  of  dayes 

Who  to  the  tenth  of  theirs  doth  now  arrive? 

And  though  thus  fhort,  we  fhorten  many  wayes, 

Living  fo  little  while  we  are  alive; 

In  eating,  drinking,  fleeping,  vain  delight 

So  unawares  comes  on  perpetual  night, 

And  puts  all  pleafures  vain  unto  eternal  flight. 


376  Anne  Bradftreet^s  Works. 

18 

When  I  behold  the  heavens  as  in  their  prime, 
And  then  the  earth  (though  old)  ftil  clad  in  green, 
The  ftones  and  trees,  infenfible  of  time, 
Nor  age  nor  wrinkle  on  their  front  are  feen; 
If  winter  come,  and  greenefs  then  do  fade, 
A  Spring  returns,  and  they  more  youthfull  made; 
But  Man  grows  old,  lies  down,  remains  where  once 
he's  laid. 

20      [19] 

By  birth  more  noble  then  thofe  creatures  all, 

Yet  feems  by  nature  and  by  cuftome  curs'd, 

No  fooner  born,  but  grief  and  care  makes  fall 

That  flate  obliterate  he  had  at  firft: 

Nor  youth,  nor  ftrength,  nor  wifdom  fpring  again 

Nor  habitations  long  their  names  retain, 

But  in  oblivion  to  the  final  day  remain. 


20  2 

Shall  I  then  praife  the  heavens,  the  trees,  the  earth 
Becaufe  their  beauty  and  their  ftrength  laft  longer 
Shall  I  wifh  there,  or  never  to  had  birth, 
Becaufe  they're  bigger,  &  their  bodyes  ftronger? 
Nay,  they  mall  darken,  perifh,  fade  and  dye, 
And  when  unmade,  fo  ever  mall  they  lye, 
But  man  was  made  for  endlefs  immortality. 


Contemplations.  ^  y  7 

21 

Under  the  cooling  fhadow  of  a  ftately  Elm 

Clofe  fate  I  by  a  goodly  Rivers  fide, 

Where  gliding  ftreams  the  Rocks  did  overwhelm; 

A  lonely  place,  with  pleafures  dignifi'd. 

I  once  that  lov'd  the  fhady  woods  fo  well, 

Now  thought  the  rivers  did  the  trees  excel, 

And  if  the  fun  would  ever  mine,  there  would  I  dwell. 


22 

While  on  the  ftealing  fbream  I  fixt  mine  eye, 
Which  to  the  long'd  for  Ocean  held  it  s  courfe, 
I  markt,  nor  crooks,  nor  rubs  that  there  did  lye 
Could  hinder  ought,  but  flill  augment  its  force: 
O  happy  Flood,  quoth  I,  that  holds  thy  race 
Till  thou  arrive  at  thy  beloved  place, 
Nor  is  it  rocks  or  fhoals  that  can  obftruct  thy  pace 


23 

Nor  is't  enough,  that  thou  alone  may'ft  flide, 
But  hundred  brooks  in  thy  cleer  waves  do  meet, 
So  hand  in  hand  along  with  thee  they  glide 
To  Thetis  houfe,  where  all  imbrace  and  greet: 
Thou  Emblem  true,  of  what  I  count  the  belt, 
O  could  I  lead  my  Rivolets  to  reft, 

So  may  we  prefs  to  that  vaft  manfion,  ever  bleft. 

48 


378  Anne  Bradft  reefs  Works. 

24  [227] 

Ye  Fifh  which  in  this  liquid  Region  'bide, 

That  for  each  feafon,  have  your  habitation, 

Now  fait,  now  frefh  where  you  think  beft  to  glide 

To  unknown  coafts  to  give  a  vifitation, 

In  Lakes  and  ponds,  you  leave  your  numerous  fry, 

So  nature  taught,  and  yet  you  know  not  why, 

You  watry  folk  that  know  not  your  felicity. 


25 

Look  how  the  wantons  frisk  to  tail  the  air, 
Then  to  the  colder  bottome  ftreight  they  dive, 
Eftfoon  to  Neptun's  glaffie  Hall  repair 
To  fee  what  trade  they  great  ones  there  clo  drive, 
Who  forrage  o're  the  fpacious  fea-green  field, 
And  take  the  trembling  prey  before  it  yield, 
Whofe  armour  is  their  fcales,  their  fpreading  fins  their 
fhield. 

26 

While  muling  thus  with  contemplation  fed, 

And  thoufand  fancies  buzzing  in  my  brain, 

The  fweet-tongu'd  Philomel  percht  ore  my  head, 

And  chanted  forth  a  moil  melodious  ftrain 

Which  rapt  me  fo  with  wonder  and  delight, 

I  judg'd  my  hearing  better  then  my  fight, 

And  wiiht  me  wings  with  her  a  while  to  take  my  flight. 


Co  n  te  mp  latio  us. 


28      [27] 

O  merry  Bird  (faid  I)  that  fears  no  fhares, 

That  neither  toyles  nor  hoards  up  in  thy  barn, 

Feels  no  fad  thoughts,  nor  cruciating  cares 

To  gain  more  good,  or  fhun  what  might  thee  harm 

Thy  cloaths  ne're  wear,  thy  meat  is  every  where, 

Thy  bed  a  bough,  thy  drink  the  water  cleer, 

Reminds  not  what  is  pail,  nor  whats  to  come  doft  fear 


28  [228] 

The  dawning  morn  with  fongs  thou  doft  prevent, 

Sets  hundred  notes  unto  thy  feathered  crew, 

So  each  one  tunes  his  pretty  infbrument, 

And  warbling  out  the  old,  begin  anew, 

And  thus  they  pafs  their  youth  in  fummer  feafon, 

Then  follow  thee  into  a  better  Region, 

where  winter's  never  felt  by  that  fweet  airy  legion 


29 

Man  at  the  beft  a  creature  frail  and  vain, 
In  knowledg  ignorant,  in  ilrength  but  weak, 
Subject  to  forrows,  lofles,  licknefs,  pain, 
Each  ftorm  his  ftate,  his  mind,  his  body  break, 
From  fome  of  thefe  he  never  finds  ceflation, 
But  day  or  night,  within,  without,  vexation, 
Troubles  from  foes,  from  friends,  from  deareft,  near'ft 
Relation 


380  Anne  Bradft  reefs  Works. 

3° 

And  yet  this  finfull  creature,  frail  and  vain, 

This  lump  of  wretchednefs,  of  fin  and  forrow, 

This  weather-beaten  veflel  wrackt  with  pain, 

Joyes  not  in  hope  of  an  eternal  morrow; 

Nor  all  his  lofles,  crofTes  and  vexation, 

In  weight,  in  frequency  and  long  duration 

Can  make  him  deeply  groan  for  that  divine  Tranflation, 


31 

The  Manner  that  on  fmooth  waves  doth  glide, 
Sings  merrily,  and  fleers  his  Barque  with  eafe, 
As  if  he  had  command  of  wind  and  tide, 
And  now  become  great  Matter  of  the  feas; 
But  fuddenly  a  ftorm  fpoiles  all  the  fport, 
And  makes  him  long  for  a  more  quiet  port, 
Which  'gainft  all  adverfe  winds  may  ferve  for  fort. 

32  [229] 


So  he  that  faileth  in  this  world  of  pleafure, 
Feeding  on  fweets,  that  never  bit  of  th'  fowre, 
That's  full  of  friends,  of  honour  and  of  treafure, 
1  Fond  fool,  he  takes  this  earth  ev'n  for  heav'ns  bower. 
But  fad  affliction  comes  &  makes  him  fee 
Here's  neither  honour,  wealth,  nor  fafety; 
Only  above  is  found  all  with  fecurity. 


77/6?  Flefli  and  the  Spirit.  381 

33- 

O  Time  the  fatal  wrack  of  mortal  things, 

That  draws  oblivions  curtains  over  kings, 

Their  fumptuous  monuments,  men  know  them  not, 

Their  names  without  a  Record  are  forgot, 

Their  parts,  their  ports,  their  pomp's  all  laid  in  th'  duft 

Nor  wit  nor  gold,  nor  buildings  fcape  times  ruft; 

But  he  whofe  name  is  grav'd  in  the  white  ilone  * 

Shall  lail  and  mine  when  all  of  thefe  are  gone. 


The  Flejh  and  the  Spirit.^ 

IN  fecret  place  where  once  I  flood 
Clofe  by  the  Banks  of  Lacrim  flood 

I  heard  two  fitters  reafon  on 

• 

Things  that  are  pail,  and  things  to  come; 
One  flefh  was  calPd,  who  had  her  eye 
On  worldly  wealth  and  vanity; 
The  other  Spirit,  who  did  rear 
Her  thoughts  unto  a  higher  fphere: 
Sifter,  quoth  Fleih,  what  liv'ft  thou  on 
Nothing  but  Meditation? 

*  Rev.  ii.  17. 

f  This  poem  seems  to  be  an  expansion  of  the  idea  of  Saint  Paul,  of  the 
strife  between  the  Flesh  and  the  Spirit,  or  the  law  of  the  members  and 
the  law  of  the  mind. 


382  Anne  Bradft  reefs  Works. 

Doth  Contemplation  feed  thee  fo  [23°] 

Regardlefly  to  let  earth  goe  ? 

Can  Speculation  fatiffy 

Notion  without  Reality? 

Doft  dream  of  things  beyond  the  Moon 

And  doft  thou  hope  to  dwell  there  foon? 

Haft  treafures  there  laid  up  in  ftore 

That  all  in  th'  world  thou  count'ft  but  poor? 

Art  fancy  lick,  or  turn'd  a  Sot 

To  catch  at  ihadowes  which  are  not? 

Come,  come,  He  mew  unto  thy  fence, 

Induftry  hath  its  recompence. 

What  canft  delire,  but  thou  maift  fee 

True  fubfbance  in  variety? 

Doft  honour  like?    acquire  the  fame, 

As  fome  to  their  immortal  fame: 

And  trophyes  to  thy  name  erecl: 

Which  wearing  time  mall  ne're  deje6l. 

For  riches  doft  thou  long  full  fore? 

Behold  enough  of  precious  ftore.  - 

Earth  hath  more  filver,  pearls  and  gold, 

Then  eyes  can  fee,  or  hands  can  hold. 

Affect's  thou  pleafure?     take  thy  fill, 

Earth  hath  enough  of  what  you  will. 

Then  let  not  goe,  what  thou  maift  find, 

For  things  unknown,  only  in  mind. 

Spir.     Be  ftill  thou  unrege'nerate  part, 

Difturb  no  more  my  fetled  heart, 


The  Fhjh  and  the  Spirit.  383 

For  I  have  vow'd,  (and  fo  will  doe) 

Thee  as  a  foe,  Hill  to  purfue. 

And  combate  with  thee  will  and  muft,  [23T] 

Untill  I  fee  thee  laid  in  th'  cluft. 

Sifters  we  are,  ye  twins  we  be, 

Yet  deadly  feud  'twixt  thee  and  me; 

For  from  one  father  are  we  not, 

Thou  by  old  Adam  waft  begot, 

But  my  arife  is  from  above, 

Whence  my  dear  father  I  do  love. 

Thou  fpeakft  me  fair,  but  hat  ft  me  fore, 

Thy  flatt'ring  mews  He  truft  no  more. 

How  oft  thy  Have,  haft  thou  me  made, 

when  I  believ'd,  what  thou  haft  faid, 

And  never  had  more  caufe  of  woe 

Then  when  I  did  what  thou  bad'ft  doe. 

He  flop  mine  ears  at  thefe  thy  charms, 

And  count  them  for  my  deadly  harms. 

Thy  finfull  pleafures  I  doe  hate, 

Thy  riches  are  to  me  no  bait, 

Thine  honours  doe,  nor  will  I  love; 

For  my  ambition  lyes  above. 

My  greateft  honour  it  mall  be 

When  I  am  victor  over  thee, 

And  triumph  mall,  with  laurel  head, 

When  thou  my  Captive  malt  be  led, 

How  I  do  live,  thou  need'ft  not  feoff, 

For  I  have  meat  thou  know'ft  not  off; 


384  Anne  Bradftreefs  Works. 

The  hidden  Manna  I  doe  eat, 

The  word  of  life  it  is  my  meat. 

My  thoughts  do  yield  me  more  content 

Then  can  thy  hours  in  pleafure  fpent. 

Nor  are  they  fhadows  which  I  catch,  [232] 

Nor  fancies  vain  at  which  I  fnatch, 

But  reach  at  things  that  are  fo  high, 

Beyond  thy  dull  Capacity; 

Eternal  fubflance  I  do  fee, 

With  which  inriched  I  would  be: 

Mine  Eye  doth  pierce  the  heavens,  and  fee 

What  is  Invifible  to  thee. 

My  garments  are  not  filk  nor  gold, 

Nor  fuch  like  tram  which  Earth  doth  hold, 

But  Royal  Robes  I  mall  have  on, 

More  glorious  then  the  gliilring  Sun; 

My  Crown  not  Diamonds,  Pearls,  and  gold, 

But  fuch  as  Angels  heads  infold. 

The  City*  where  I  hope  to  dwell, 

There's  none  on  Earth  can  parallel; 

The  ilately  Walls  both  high  and  ftrong, 

Are  made  of  pretious  Jafper  ftone ; 

The  Gates  of  Pearl,  both  rich  and  clear, 

And  Angels  are  for  Porters  there; 

The  Streets  thereof  tranfparent  gold, 

Such  as  no  Eye  did  e're  behold, 

A  Chryltal  River  there  doth  run, 

Which  doth  proceed  from  the  Lambs  Throne: 

*  Rev.  xxi.  10-27;  and  xxii-  I-5- 


The  Flejh  and  the  Spirit.  385 

Of  Life,  there  are  the  waters  fure, 

Which  fhall  remain  for  ever  pure, 

Nor  Sun,  nor  Moon,  they  have  no  need, 

For  glory  doth  from  God  proceed: 

No  Candle  there,  nor  yet  Torch  light, 

For  there  fhall  be  no  darkfome  night. 

From  ficknefs  and  infirmity,  [233] 

For  evermore  they  fhall  be  free, 

Nor  withering  age  fhall  e're  come  there, 

But  beauty  fhall  be  bright  and  clear; 

This  City  pure  is  not  for  thee, 

For  things  unclean  there  fhall  not  be: 

If  I  of  Heaven  may  have  my  fill, 

Take  thou  the  world,  and  all  that  will. 

~ 


49 


The   Vanity  of  all  'worldly  things* 

A   S  he  faid  vanity,  fo  vain  fay  I, 
•*   *•  Oh!  vanity,  O  vain  all  under  Sky; 
Where  is  the  man  can  fay,  lo  I  have  found 
On  brittle  Earth  a  Confolation  found? 
What  is't  in  honour  to  be  fet  on  high  ? 
No,  they  like  Beafts  and  Sons  of  men  mall  dye: 
And  whil'ft  they  live,  how  oft  doth  turn  their  fate,* 
He's  now  a  captive/  that  was  King*  of  late. 
What  is't  in  wealth,  great  Treafures  to  obtain  ?rf 
No,  that's  but  labour,  anxious  care  and  pain, 
He  heaps  up  riches,  and  he  heaps  up  forrow, 
It's  his  to  day,  but  who's  his  heir  to  morrow  ? 
What  then?  Content  in  pleafures  canft  thou  find, 
More  vain  then  all,  that's  but  to  grafp  the  wind. 
The  fenfual  fenfes  for  a  time  they  pleafe, 
Mean  while  the  confcience  rage,  who  mall  appeafe? 
What  is't  in  beauty  ?    No  that's  but  a  fnare,  [234] 

They're  foul  enough  to  day,  that  once  were  fair. 
What  is't  in  flowring  youth,  or  manly  age  ? 
The  firft  is  prone  to  vice,  the  laft  to  rage. 

*  See  note  to  page  215.  <*  State/  <*  flave, 

c  a  Prince.  d  for  to  gain  ? 


The  Vanity  of  all  Worldly  Things.          387 

Where  is  it  then,  in  wifdom,  learning  arts? 

Sure  if  on  earth,  it  rnufb  be  in  thofe  parts: 

Yet  thefe  the  wifefl  man  of  men  did  find 

But  vanity,  vexation  of'  mind. 

And  he  that  knowes  the  moft,  doth  ftill  bemoan 

He  knows  not  all  that  here  is  to  be  known. 

What  is  it  then,  to  doe  as  Stoicks  tell, 

Nor  laugh,  nor  weep,  let  things  go  ill  or  well. 

Such  Stoicks  are  but  Stocks  fuch  teaching  vain, 

While  man  is  man,  he  fhall  have  eafe  or  pain. 

If  not  in  honour,  beauty,  age  nor  treafure, 

Nor  yet  in  learning,  wifdome,  youth  nor  pleafure, 

Where  fhall  I  climb,  found,  feek  fearch  or  find 

That  Summum  Bonum  which  may  flay  my  mind? 

There  is  a  path,  no  vultures  eye  hath  feen, 

Where  Lion^  fierce,  nor  lions  whelps  have  been, 

Which  leads  unto  that  living  Cryflal  Fount, 

Who  drinks  thereof,  the  world  doth  nought  account 

The  depth  &  fea  have  faid  tis  not  in  me, 

With  pearl    and  gold,  it  fhall  not  valued  be. 

For  Saphire,  Onix,  Topaz  who  would f  change: 

Its  hid  from  eyes  of  men,  they  count  it  fbrange. 

Death  and  definition  the  fame  hath  heard, 

But  where  &  what  it  is,  from  heaven's  declar'd, 

It  brings  to  honour,  which  fhall  ne're*  decay, 

It  fhores  *  with  wealth  which  time  can't  wear  away. 

It  yieldeth  pleafures  far  beyond  conceit,  [235] 

And  truly  beautifies  without  deceit, 

'  of  the.  /  lions.  x  will.  h  not.  *  fteeres. 


388  Anne  Bradftreet')s  Works. 

Nor  ftrength,  nor  wifdome  nor  frefti  youth  mall  fade 
Nor  death  fhall  fee,  but  are  immortal  made. 
This  pearl  of  price,  this  tree  of  life,  this  fpring 
Who  is  pofleffed  of,  fhall  reign  a  King. 
Nor  change  of  ftate,  nor  cares  fhall  ever  fee, 
But  wear  his  crown  unto  eternity: 
This  fatiates  the  Soul,  this  flayes  the  mind, 
And  all  the  reft,  but  Vanity  we  find/ 

j  The  reft's  but  vanity,  and  vain  we  find. 


FINIS. 


The  Author  to  her  Book. 


'THHou  ill-form'd  offspring  of  my  feeble  brain, 

"*•    Who  after  birth  did'ft  by  my  fide  remain, 
Till  fnatcht  from  thence  by  friends,  lefs  wife  then  true45" 
Who  thee  abroad,  expos'd  to  publick  view, 
Made  thee  in  raggs,  halting  to  th'  prefs  to  trudg, 
Where  errors  were  not  leifened  (all  may  judg) 
At  thy  return  my  blufhing  was  not  fmall, 
My  rambling  brat  (in  print)  fhould  mother  call, 
I  carl  thee  by  as  one  unfit  for  light, 
Thy  Vifage  was  fo  irkfome  in  my  light; 
Yet  being  mine  own,  at  length  affection  would 
Thy  blemifhes  amend,  if  fo  I  could: 
I  wafh'd  thy  face,  but  more  defects  I  faw, 
And  rubbing  off  a  fpot,  flill  made  a  flaw. 
I  ftretcht  thy  joynts  to  make  thee  even  feet, 
Yet  Hill  thou  run'ft  more  hobling  then  is  meet; 
In  better  drefs  to  trim  thee  was  my  mind, 
But  nought  fave  home-fpun  Cloth,  i'th'  houfe  I  find 
In  this  array,  'mongft  Vulgars  mayft  thou  roam 
In  Criticks  hands,  beware  thou  doft  not  come; 

*  See  pages  82-90  and  notes. 


39° 


Anne  J3radjl  reefs  Works. 


And  take  thy  way  where  yet  thou  art  not  known, 
If  for  thy  Father  askt,  fay,  thou  hadft  none: 
And  for  thy  Mother,  fhe  alas  is  poor, 
Which  caus'd  her^thus  to  fend  thee  out  of  door. 


[237] 

Several  other  Poems    made   by  the  Author  upon 

Diverfe  Occajions,  tvere  found  among"  her  Papers 

after  her  Death,  -which  Jhe  never  meant  Jhould 

come  to  publick  view,  amongft  which,  thefe 

folio-wing  (at  the  defere  of  fome  friends 

that  knevo  her  ivelt)  are  here  inferted 

Upon  a  Fit  of  Sicknefs,  Anno.  1632. 
^Etatis  fuce,  19. 

'T^Wice  ten  years  old,  not  fully  told 

Since  nature  gave  me  breath, 
My  race  is  run,  my  thread  is  fpun, 

lo  here  is  fatal  Death. 
All  men  muft  dye,  and  fo  mufl  I 

this  cannot  be  revok'd 
For  Adams  fake,  this  word  God  fpake 

when  he  fo  high  provok'd. 
Yet  live  I  mall,  this  life's  but  fmall, 

in  place  of  higher!  blifs, 
Where  I  mall  have  all  I  can  crave, 

no  life  is  like  to  this. 
For  what's  this  life,  but  care  and  finfe? 

iince  firft  we  came  from  womb, 
Our  ftrength  doth  wafbe,  our  time  doth  haft, 

and  then  we  go  to  th'  Tomb. 


Anne  Bradftreet^s  Works. 

O  Bubble  blaft,  how  long  can'ft  laft?  [238] 

that  alwayes  art  a  breaking, 
No  fooner  blown,  but  dead  and  gone, 

ev'n  as  a  word  that's  fpeaking. 
O  whil'ft  I  live,  this  grace  me  give, 

I  doing  good  may  be, 
Then  deaths  arreft  I  mall  count  beft, 

becaufe  it's  thy  decree; 
Beftow  much  coil  there's  nothing  loft, 

to  make  Salvation  fure, 
O  great's  the  gain,  though  got  with  pain, 

comes  by  profeffion  pure. 
The  race  is  run,  the  field  is  won, 

the  victory's  mine  I  fee, 
For  ever  know,  thou  envious  foe, 

the  foyle  belongs  to  thee. 

Vponfome  diftemper  of  body. 

In  anguifh  of  my  heart  repleat  with  woes, 

And  wafting  pains,  which  beft  my  body  knows, 

In  tolling  {lumbers  on  my  wakeful  bed, 

Bedrencht  with  tears  that  flow'd  from  mournful  head. 

Till  nature  had  exhaufted  all  her  ftore, 

Then  eyes  lay  dry,  difabled  to  weep  more; 

And  looking  up  unto  his  Throne  on  high, 

Who  fendeth  help  to  thofe  in  mifery; 

He  chac'd  away  thofe  clouds,  and  let  me  fee 

My  Anchor  caft  i'th'  vale  with  fafety. 


Before  the  Birth  of  a  Child.  393 

He  eas'd  my  Soul  of  woe,  my  flefh  of  pain, 

And  brought  me  to  the  more  from  troubled  Main; 

Before  the  Birtk  of  one  of  her  Children.   [239] 

All  things  within  this  fading  world  hath  end, 

Adveriity  doth  flill  our  joyes  attend; 

No  tyes  fo  fbrong,  no  friends  fo  dear  and  fweet, 

But  with  deaths  parting  blow  is  fure  to  meet. 

The  fentence  part  is  mofb  irrevocable, 

A  common  thing,  yet  oh  inevitable; 

How  foon,  my  Dear,  death  may  my  fteps  attend, 

How  foon't  may  be  thy  Lot  to  lofe  thy  friend, 

We  both  are  ignorant,  yet  love  bids  me 

Thefe  farewell  lines  to  recommend  to  thee, 

That  when  that  knot's  unty  d  that  made  us  one, 

I  may  feem  thine,  who  in  effect  am  none. 

And  if  I  fee  not  half  my  dayes  that's  due, 

What  nature  would,  God  grant  to  yours  and  you; 

The  many  faults  that  well  you  know  I  have, 

Let  be  interr'd  in  my  oblivions  grave ; 

If  any  worth  or  virtue  were  in  me, 

Let  that  live  frefhly  in  thy  memory 

And  when  thou  feel'ft  no  grief,  as  I  no  harms, 

Yet  love  thy  dead,  who  long  lay  in  thine  arms: 

And  when  thy  lofs  (hall  be  repaid  with  gains 

Look  to  my  little  babes  my  dear  remains. 

And  if  thou  love  thy  felf,  or  loved'fl  me 

Thefe  O  protect  from  ftep  Dames  injury. 

50 


394  Anne  Bradftreefs  Works. 

And  if  chance  to  thine  eyes  fhall  bring  this  verfe, 
With  fome  fad  fighs  honour  my  abfent  Herfe; 
And  kifs  this  paper  for  thy  loves  dear  fake, 
Who  with  fait  tears  this  laft  Farewel  did  take. 

A.B. 


To  my  Dear  and  loving  Husband.        [240] 

TF  ever  two  were  one,  then  furely  we. 

•*•  If  ever  man  were  lov'd  by  wife,  then  thee; 

If  ever  wife  was  happy  in  a  man, 

Compare  with  me  ye  women  if  you  can. 

I  prize  thy  love  more  then  whole  Mines  of  gold, 

Or  all  the  riches  that  the  Eaft  doth  hold. 

My  love  is  fuch  that  Rivers  cannot  quench, 

Nor  ought  but  love  from  thee,  give  recompence. 

Thy  love  is  fuch  I  can  no  way  repay, 

The  heavens  reward  thee  manifold  I  pray. 

Then  while  we  live,  in  love  lets  fo  perfever, 

That  when  we  live  no  more,  we  may  live  ever. 

A  Letter  to  her  Husband,  abfent  upon 

Publick  employment. 

\ 

My  head,  my  heart,  mine  Eyes,  my  life,  nay  more, 

My  joy,  my  Magazine  of  earthly  {lore, 

If  two  be  one,  as  furely  thou  and  I, 

How  ftayeft  thou  there,  whilil  I  at  Ipfwich  lye? 


Letters  to  her  Husband.  395 

So  many  fleps,  head  from  the  heart  to  fever 

If  but  a  neck,  foon  mould  we  be  together: 

I  like  the  earth  this  feafon,  mourn  in  black, 

My  Sun  is  gone  fo  far  in's  Zodiack, 

Whom  whilft  I  'joy'd,  nor  ilorms,  nor  froils  I  felt, 

His  warmth  fuch  frigid  colds  did  caufe  to  melt. 

My  chilled  limbs  now  nummed  lye  forlorn; 

Return,  return  fweet  Sol  from   Capricorn; 

In  this  dead  time,  alas,  what  can  I  more  [24T] 

Then  view  thofe  fruits  which  through  thy  heat  I  bore? 

Which  fweet  contentment  yield  me  for  a  fpace, 

True  living  Pictures  of  their  Fathers  face. 

0  ilrange  effe6t!   now  thou  art  Southward  gone, 

1  weary  grow,  the  tedious  day  fo  long; 

But  when  thou  North-ward  to  me  malt  return, 
I  wifh  my  Sun  may  never  fet,  but  burn 
Within  the  Cancer  of  my  glowing  breaft, 
The  welcome  houfe  of  him  my  deareil  gueft. 
Where  ever,  ever  ftay,  and  go  not  thence, 
Till  natures  fad  decree  fhall  call  thee  hence; 
Flefh  of  thy  flefh,  bone  of  thy  bone, 
I  here,  thou  there,  yet  both  but  one. 

A.  B. 

Another. 

Phoebus  make  hafte,  the  day's  too  long,  be  gone, 
The  filent  night's  the  fittelt  time  for  moan; 
But  flay  this  once,  unto  my  fuit  give  ear, 
And  tell  my  griefs  in  either  Hemifphere: 


396  Anne  Bradft  reefs  Works. 

(And  if  the  whirling  of  thy  wheels  don't  drown'd) 

The  woful  accents  of  my  doleful  found, 

If  in  thy  fwift  Carrier  thou  canft  make  ftay, 

I  crave  this  boon,  this  Errand  by  the  way, 

Commend  me  to  the  man  more  lov'd  then  life, 

Shew  him  the  forrows  of  his  widdowed  wife; 

My  dumpifh  thoughts,  my  groans,  my  brakifh  tears   <? 

My  fobs,  my  longing  hopes,  my  doubting  fears, 

And  if  he  love,  how  can  he  there  abide? 

My  Intereft's  more  then  all  the  world  befide. 

He  that  can  tell  the  ftarrs  or  Ocean  fand,  [242] 

Or  all  the  grafs  that  in  the  Meads  do  Hand, 

The  leaves  in  th'  woods,  the  hail  or  drops  of  rain, 

Or  in  a  corn-field  number  every  grain, 

Or  every  mote  that  in  the  fun-mine  hops, 

May  count  my  lighs,  and  number  all  my  drops : 

Tell  him,  the  countlefs  fteps  that  thou  doft  trace, 

That  once  a  day,  thy  Spoufe  thou  mayft  imbrace; 

And  when  thou  canft  not  treat  by  loving  mouth, 

Thy  rayes  afar,  falute  her  from  the  fouth. 

But  for  one  moneth  I  fee  no  day  (poor  foul) 

Like  thofe  far  fcituate  under  the  pole, 

Which  day  by  day  long  wait  for  thy  arife, 

O  how  they  joy  when  thou  doft  light  the  skyes. 

O  Phoebus,  hadft  thou  but  thus  long  from  thine 

Reftrain'd  the  beams  of  thy  beloved  fhine, 

At  thy  return,  if  fo  thou  could'ft  or  durft 

Behold  a  Chaos  blacker  then  the  firft. 


Letters  to  her  Husband.  397 


Tell  him  here's  worfe  then  a  confufed  matter, 
His  little  world's  a  fathom  under  water, 
Nought  but  the  fervor  of  his  ardent  beams 
Hath  power  to  dry  the  torrent  of  thefe  itreams. 
Tell  him  I  would  fay  more,  but  cannot  well, 
Opprefled  minds,  abruptefl  tales  do  tell. 
Now  poft  with  double  fpeed,  mark  what  I  fay, 
By  all  our  loves  conjure  him  not  to  flay. 

. 
Another.  [243] 

As  loving  Hind  that  (Hartlefs)  wants  her  Deer, 
Scuds  through  the  woods  and  Fern  with  harkning  ear, 
Perplext,  in  every  bum  &  nook  doth  pry, 

Her  deareft  Deer,  might  anfwer  ear  or  eye; 

* 

So  doth  my  anxious  foul,  which  now  doth  mifs, 
A  dearer  Dear  (far  dearer  Heart)  then  this. 
Still  wait  with  doubts,  &  hopes,  and  failing  eye, 
His  voice  to  hear,  or  perfon  to  difcry. 
Or  as  the  penfive  Dove  doth  all  alone 
(On  withered  bough)  moil  uncouthly  bemoan 
The  abfence  of  her  Love,  and  loving  Mate, 
Whofe  lofs  hath  made  her  fo  unfortunate: 
Ev'n  thus  doe  I,  with  many  a  deep  fad  groan 
Bewail  my  turtle  true,  who  now  is  gone, 
His  prefence  and  his  fafe  return,  ilill  wooes, 
With  thoufand  dolefull  fighs  &  mournfull  Cooes. 
Or  as  the  loving  Mullet,  that  true  Fifh, 
Her  fellow  loft,  nor  joy  nor  life  do  wifh, 


398  Anne  Bradftreef.s  Works. 

But  lanches  on  that  fhore,  there  for  to  dye, 

Where  fhe  her  captive  husband  doth  efpy. 

Mine  being  gone,  I  lead  a  joylefs  life, 

I  have  a  loving  phere,  yet  feem  no  wife: 

But  worfb  of  all,  to  him  can't  fleer  my  courfe, 

I  here,  he  there,  alas,  both  kept  by  force: 

Return  my  Dear,  my  joy,  my  only  Love, 

Unto  thy  Hinde,  thy  Mullet  and  thy  Dove, 

Who  neither  joyes  in  pailure,  houfe  nor  llreams, 

The  fubftance  gone,  O  me,  thefe  are  but  dreams. 

Together  at  one  Tree,  oh  let  us  brouze,  [244] 

And  like  two  Turtles  rooft  within  one  houfe, 

And  like  the  Mullets  in  one  River  glide, 

Let's  fhill  remain  but  one,  till  death  divide. 


Thy  loving  Love  and  Dearejl  Dear, 
At  home,  abroad,  and  every  where. 

A.  B. 


To  her  Father  'with  fome  verfes. 

MOft  truly  honoured,  and  as  truly  dear, 
If  worth  in  me,  or  ought  I  do  appear, 
Who  can  of  right  better  demand  the  fame? 
Then  may  your  worthy  felf  from  whom  it  came. 
The  principle  might  yield  a  greater  fum, 
Yet  handled  ill,  amounts  but  to  this  crum; 


Verfes  to  her  Father.  399 

My  flock's  fo  fmall,  I  know  not  how  to  pay, 
My  Bond  remains  in  force  unto  this  day; 
Yet  for  part  payment  take  this  fimple  mite, 
Where  nothing's  to  be  had  Kings  loofe  their  right 
Such  is  my  debt,  I  may  not  fay  forgive, 
But  as  I  can,  Pie  pay  it  while  I  live: 
Such  is  my  bond,  none  can  difcharge  but  I, 
Yet  paying  is  not  payd  until  I  dye. 

A.B. 


In  reference  to  her  Children,  23.  June,  1656.*  [245] 

T  Had  eight  birds  hatcht  in  one  neft:, 

•*•  Four  Cocks  there  were,  and  Hens  the  reft, 

I  nurft  them  up  with  pain  and  care, 

Nor  coft,  nor  labour  did  I  fpare, 

Till  at  the  laft  they  felt  their  wing. 

Mounted  the  Trees,  and  learn'd  to  fmg; 

Chief  of  the  Brood  then  took  his  flight, 

To  Regions  far,  and  left  me  quite :  f 

My  mournful  chirps  I  after  fend, 

Till  he  return,  or  I  do  end, 

Leave  not  thy  neft,  thy  Dam  and  Sire, 

Fly  back  and  fing  amidft  this  Quire. 

My  fecond  bird  did  take  her  flight, 

And  with  her  mate  flew  out  of  light; 

Southward  they  both  their  courfe  did  bend, 

And  Seafons  twain  they  there  did  fpend: 

Till  after  blown  by  Southern  gales, 

They  Norivard  fleer  d  with  filled  fayles. 

*  This  date  is  clearly  wrong,  as  events  are  referred  to  in  the  course  of 
the  poem  which  took  place  more  than  a  year  later.  It  is  probably  a  mis 
print  for  1658. 

t  Samuel,  who  sailed  for  England  Nov.  6,  1657  (see  page  24),  and  re 
turned  home  July  17,  1661  (see  page  28). 


Concerning  her  Children.  401 

A  prettier  bird  was  no  where  feen, 

Along  the  Beach  among  the  treen.* 

I  have  a  third  of  colour  white, 

On  whom  I  plac'd  no  fmall  delight; 

Coupled  with  mate  loving  and  true, 

Hath  alfo  bid  her  Dam  adieu : 

And  where  Aurora  firft  appears, 

She  now  hath  percht,  to  fpend  her  years ;  f 

One  to  the  Academy  flew  [246] 

To  chat  among  that  learned  crew: 

Ambition  moves  ftill  in  his  breaft 

That  he  might  chant  above  the  reft, 

Striving  for  more  then  to  do  well, 

That  nightingales  he  might  excell.  J 

My  fifth,  whofe  down  is  yet  fcarce  gone 

Is  'mongft  the  fhrubs  and  bufhes  flown, 

And  as  his  wings  increafe  in  ftrength, 

On  higher  boughs  he'l  pearch  at  length. 

My  other  three,  ftill  with  me  neft, 

Untill  they'r  grown,  then  as  the  reft, 

Or  here  or  there,  they'l  take  their  flight, 

As  is  ordain'd,  fo  mall  they  light. 

*  Dorothy,  who  married  the  Rev.  Seaborn  Cotton,  June  25,  1654.  In 
1655  her  husband  preached  at  Wethersfield,  Conn.,  but  in  1660  he  became 
the  second  minister  of  Hampton,  N.H. 

t  Sarah,  who  married  Richard  Hubbard,  of  Ipswich,  a  brother  of  the 
Rev.  William  Hubbard,  the  historian. 

J  "June  25,  1656,  I  was  admitted  into  the  vniverfity,  Mr  Charles 
Chauncy  being  Prefident." — REV.  SIMONBRADSTREET'S  Manuscript  Diary. 

For  an  account  of  him,  and  of  Mrs.  Bradstreet's  other  children,  see 


Introduction. 


402  Anne  JBradft  reefs  Works. 

If  birds  could  weep,  then  would  my  tears 

Let  others  know  what  are  my  fears 

Left  this  my  brood  fome  harm  mould  catch, 

And  be  furpriz'd  for  want  of  watch, 

Whilft  pecking  corn,  and  void  of  care 

They  fall  un'wares  in  Fowlers  fnare: 

Or  whilft  on  trees  they  fit  and  fing, 

Some  untoward  boy  at  them  do  fling: 

Or  whilft  allur'd  with  bell  and  glafs, 

The  net  be  fpread,  and  caught,  alas. 

Or  leaft  by  Lime-twigs  they  be  foyl'd, 

Or  by  fome  greedy  hawks  be  fpoyl'd. 

O  would  my  young,  ye  faw  my  breaft, 

And  knew  what  thoughts  there  fadly  reft, 

Great  was  my  pain  when  I  you  bred, 

Great  was  my  care,  when  I  you  fed, 

Long  did  I  keep  you  foft  and  warm,  [247] 

And  with  my  wings  kept  off  all  harm, 

My  cares  are  more,  and  fears  then  ever, 

My  throbs  fuch  now,  as  'fore  were  never: 

Alas  my  birds,  you  wifdome  want, 

Of  perils  you  are  ignorant, 

Oft  times  in  grafs,  on  trees,  in  flight, 

Sore  accidents  on  you  may  light. 

O  to  your  fafety  have  an  eye, 

So  happy  may  you  live  and  die : 

Mean  while  my  dayes  in  tunes  He  fpend, 

Till  my  weak  layes  with  me  fhall  end. 


Concerning  her  Children.  403 

In  fhady  woods  Pie  fit  and  ling, 

And  things  that  paft,  to  mind  Fie  bring. 

Once  young  and  pleafant,  as  are  you, 

But  former  toyes  (no  joyes)  adieu. 

My  age  I  will  not  once  lament, 

But  fing,  my  time  fo  near  is  fpent. 

And  from  the  top  bough  take  my  flight, 

Into  a  country  beyond  fight, 

Where  old  ones,  inftantly  grow  young, 

And  there  with  Seraphims  fet  fong: 

No  feafons  cold,  nor  rtorms  they  fee; 

But  fpring  lafts  to  eternity, 

When  each  of  you  mall  in  your  neft 

Among  your  young  ones  take  your  reft, 

In  chirping  language,  oft  them  tell, 

You  had  a  Dam  that  lov'd  you  well, 

That  did  what  could  be  done  for  young, 

And  nurft  you  up  till  you  were  ftrong, 

And  'fore  me  once  would  let  you  fly,  [24&] 

She  fhew'd  you  joy  and  mifery; 

Taught  what  was  good,  and  what  was  ill, 

What  would  fave  life,  and  what  would  kill  / 

Thus  gone,  amongft  you  I  may  live, 

And  dead,  yet  fpeak,  and  counfel  give : 

Farewel  my  birds,  farewel  adieu, 

I  happy  am,  if  well  with  you. 

A.  B. 


In  memory  of  my  dear  grand-child  Elizabeth 

Bradftreet,*  who  deceafed  Auguft,  1665. 

being  a  year  and  half  old. 

FArewel  dear  babe,  my  hearts  too  much  content, 
Farewel  fweet  babe,  the  pleafure  of  mine  eye, 
Farewel  fair  flower  that  for  a  fpace  was  lent, 
Then  ta'en  away  unto  Eternity. 
Bleft  babe  why  fhould  I  once  bewail  thy  fate, 
Or  figh  the  dayes  fo  foon  were  terminate, 
Sith  thou  art  fetled  in  an  Everlafting  itate. 


2. 

By  nature  Trees  do  rot  when  they  are  grown. 
And  Plumbs  and  Apples  throughly  ripe  do  fall, 
And  Corn  and  grafs  are  in  their  feafon  mown, 
And  time  brings  down  what  is  both  fhrong  and  tall. 
But  plants  new  fet  to  be  eradicate, 
And  buds  new  blown,  to  have  fo  fhort  a  date, 
Is  by  his  hand  alone  that  guides  nature  and  fate. 

*  The  eldest  child  of  her  son  Samuel. 


In  memory  of  my  dear  grand-child      [249] 

Anne  Bradftreet.* 

Who  deceafed June  20.  1669.  being  three  years  and 
feven  Moneths  old. 

T  \  71th  troubled  heart  &  trembling  hand  I  write, 

*  *    The  Heavens  have  chang'd  to  forrow  my  delight. 
How  oft  with  disappointment  have  I  met, 
When  I  on  fading  things  my  hopes  have  fet? 
Experience  might  'fore  this  have  made  me  wife, 
To  value  things  according  to  their  price: 
Was  ever  liable  joy  yet  found  below? 
Or  perfect  blifs  without  mixture  of  woe. 
I  knew  me  was  but  as  a  withering  flour, 
That's  here  to  day,  perhaps  gone  in  an  hour* 
Like  as  a  bubble,  or  the  brittle  glafs, 
Or  like  a  fhadow  turning  as  it  was. 

*  "June.  20.  69  My  Br  Samuel8  eldeft  child  which  was  a  daughter,  be 
tween  3  &  four  yeares  old  dyed.  He  buried  ye  first  y*  euer  had  (w'ch  alfo 
was  a  daughter)  about  4  yeares  fince.  The  Ld  teach  him,  and  me,  and 
all  who  it  efpec.  concernes  good  thereby."  —  REV.  SIMON  BRADSTREET'S 
Manuscript  Diary. 


406  Anne  Bradftreefs  Works. 

More  fool  then  I  to  look  on  that  was  lent, 

As  if  mine  own,  when  thus  impermanent. 

Farewel  dear  child,  thou  ne're  mall  come  to  me, 

But  yet  a  while,  and  I  mall  go  to  thee; 

Mean  time  my  throbbing  heart's  chear'd  up  with  this 

Thou  with  thy  Saviour  art  in  endlefs  blifs. 


On  my  dear  Grand-child  Simon  Braditreet,*  [250] 
Who  dyed  on  16.  Novemb.     1669.  being  but 
a  moneth,  and  one  day  old. 

IV  TO  fooner  come,  but  gone,  and  fal'n  afleep, 

•*•  ^  Acquaintance  fhort,  yet  parting  caus'd  us  weep, 

Three  flours,  two  fcarcely  blown,  the  laft  i'th'  bud, 

Cropt  by  th'  Almighties  hand;  yet  is  he  good, 

With  dreadful  awe  before  him  let's  be  mute, 

Such  was  his  will,  but  why,  let's  not  difpute, 

With  humble  hearts  and  mouths  put  in  the  duft, 

Let's  fay  he's  merciful  as  well  as  juft. 

He  will  return,  and  make  up  all  our  lofles, 

And  fmile  again,  after  our  bitter  croffes. 

Go  pretty  babe,  go  reft  with  Sifters  twain 

Among  the  bleft  in  endlefs  joyes  remain. 

A.  B. 

*  The  fourth  child  of  her  eldest  son,  Samuel. 


Funeral  Elegies.  407 

To  the  memory  of  my  dear  Daitghter  in  Law, 

Mrs.  Mercy^  Bradftreet,  -who  deceafed  Sept.  6. 

1669.  in  the  28.  year  of  her  Age.* 

A   ND  live  I  ftill  to  fee  Relations  gone, 

^  And  yet  furvive  to  found  this  wailing  tone ; 
Ah,  woe  is  me,  to  write  thy  Funeral  Song, 
Who  might  in  reafon  yet  have  lived  long, 
I  faw  the  branches  lopt  the  Tree  now  fall, 
I  ftood  fo  nigh,  it  crufht  me  down  withal; 
My  bruifed  heart  lies  fobbing  at  the  Root, 
That  thou  dear  Son  hath  loft  both  Tree  and  fruit: 
Thou  then  on  Seas  failing  to  forreign  Coaft; 
Was  ignorant  what  riches  thou  hadft  loft. 
But  ah  too  foon  thofe  heavy  tydings  fly,  [2ST] 

To  ftrike  thee  with  amazing  mifery; 
Oh  how  I  fimpathize  with  thy  fad  heart, 
And  in  thy  griefs  ftill  bear  a  fecond  part: 
I  loft  a  daughter  dear,  but  thou  a  wife, 
Who  lov'd  thee  more  (it  feem'd)  then  her  own  life. 
Thou  being  gone,  fhe  longer  could  not  be, 
Becaufe  her  Soul  fhe'd  fent  along  with  thee. 

*  "  Sept.  (  )  1670  Mj  Br  Samuel  Bradftreet  his  wife  dyed,  wch  was  a 
foar  affli<5lion  to  him,  and  all  his  friends.  May  god  giue  us  all  a  fanclifyed 
vfe  of  this,  and  all  other  his  Difpenfations." — REV.  SIMON  BRADSTREET'S 
Manuscript  Diary.  She  was  a  daughter  of  William  Tyng.  It  appears 
from  this  poem  that  she  died  soon  after  the  premature  birth  of  a  child, 
which  did  not  long  survive  her.  This  child  was  Anne,  born  Sept.  3,  1670, 
so  that  the  date  of  the  mother's  death,  as  given  in  the  heading,  must  be  a 
misprint  for  1670.  See  N.  E.  Hist.  Gen.  Register,  vol.  ix.  p.  113,  note  JJ. 


408  Anne  Bradftreet*s  Works. 

One  week  fhe  only  paft  in  pain  and  woe, 

And  then  her  forrows  all  at  once  did  go; 

A  Babe  fhe  left  before,  fhe  foar'd  above, 

The  fifth  and  laft  pledg  of  her  dying  love, 

E're  nature  would,  it  hither  did  arrive, 

No  wonder  it  no  longer  did  furvive. 

So  with  her  Children  four,  fhe's  now  a  reft, 

All  freed  from  grief  (I  truft)  among  the  bleft; 

She  one  hath  left,  a  joy  to  thee  and  me,* 

The  Heavens  vouchfafe  fhe  may  fo  ever  be. 

Chear  up,  (dear  Son)  thy  fainting  bleeding  heart, 

In  him  alone,  that  caufed  all  this  fmart; 

What  though  thy  flrokes  full  fad  &  grievous  be, 

He  knows  it  is  the  befb  for  thee  and  me. 

A.B. 

*  A  daughter,  Mercy,  born  Nov.  20,  1667.  Governor  Bradstreet,  in  his 
will,  signed  Feb.  20,  1688,  O.  S.,  mentions  her  as  one  "whom  I  have  been 
forced  to  educate  and  maintain  at  considerable  charge  ever  since  Septem 
ber  1670." — Suffolk  Probate  Records,  Lib.  xi.  Fol.  277-8.  She  afterwards 
married  James  Oliver,  a  physician  in  Cambridge.  See  N.  E.  Hist.  Gen. 
Register,  vol.  viii.  p.  314,  and  vol.  ix.  p.  113. 


A  Funeral  Elogy, 


21 


Upon  that  Pattern  and  Patron  of  Virtue,  the 
truely  pious,  peerlefs  &  matchlefs  Gentlewoman 

Mrs.  Anne  Bradftreet, 

right  Panaretes,* 

Mirror  of  Her  Age,   Glory  of  her  Sex,  ivhofe 

Heaven-born-  Soul  leaving  its  earthly  Shrine, 

chofe  its  native  home,  and  was  taken  to  its 

Reft,  upon  i6th.  Sept.  1672. 

A   Sk  not  why  hearts  turn  Magazines  of  paffions, 
•*  *•  And  why  that  grief  is  clad  in  fev'ral  fafhions; 
Why  She  on  progrefs  goes,  and  doth  not  borrow 
The  fmalleft  refpite  from  th'  extreams  of  forrow, 
Her  mifery  is  got  to  fuch  an  height, 
As  makes  the  earth  groan  to  fupport  its  weight, 
Such  florms  of  woe,  fo  ftrongly  have  befet  her, 
She  hath  no  place  for  worfe,  nor  hope  for  better; 
Her  comfort  is,  if  any  for  her  be, 
That  none  can  mew  more  caufe  of  grief  then  fhe. 

*  Gr.  Travdperof,  all-virtuous. 
52 


410  Anne  Bradftreet^s  Works. 

Ask  not  why  fome  in  mournfull  black  are  clad; 

The  Sun  is  fet,  there  needs  mull  be  a  ihade. 

Ask  not  why  every  face  a  fadnefs  flirowdes; 

The  fetting  Sun  ore-caft  us  hath  with  Clouds. 

Ask  not  why  the  great  glory  of  the  Skye  [253] 

That  gilds  the  ftarrs  with  heavenly  Alchamy, 

Which  all  the  world  doth  lighten  with  his  rayes, 

The  Perflan  God,  the  Monarch  of  the  dayes; 

Ask  not  the  reafon  of  his  extafie, 

Palenefs  of  late,  in  midnoon  Majefty, 

Why  that  the  palefac'd  Emprefs  of  the  night 

Difrob'd  her  brother  of  his  glorious  light. 

Did  not  the  language  af  the  ftarrs  foretel 

A  mournfull  Sccene  when  they  with  tears  did  fwell? 

Did  not  the  glorious  people  of  the  Skye 

Seem  fenlible  of  future  mifery.^ 

Did  not  the  lowring  heavens  feem  to  exprefs 

The  worlds  great  lofe,  and  their  unhappinefs? 

Behold  how  tears  flow  from  the  learned  hill, 

How  the  bereaved  Nine  do  daily  fill 

The  bofome  of  the  fleeting  Air  with  groans, 

And  wofull  Accents,  which  witnefs  their  moanes. 

How  doe  the  GoddefTes  of  verfe,  the  learned  quire 

Lament  their  rival  Quill,  which  all  admire  ? 

Could  Maro's  Mufe  but  hear  her  lively  ilrain, 

He  would  condemn  his  works  to  fire  again. 

Methinks  I  hear  the  Patron  of  the  Spring, 

The  unfhorn  Diety  abruptly  fmg. 


A  Funeral  Elogy  upon  the  Author.          41 1 

Some  doe  for  anguifh  weep,  for  anger  I 

That  Ignorance  fhould  live,  and  Art  fhould  die. 

Black,  fatal,  difmal,  inaufpicious  day, 

Unbleft  for  ever  by  Sot's  precious  Ray, 

Be  it  the  firft  of  Miferies  to  all; 

Or  laft  of  Life,  defam'd  for  Funeral. 

When  this  day  yearly  comes,  let  every  one,         [254] 

Caft  in  their  urne,  the  black  and  difmal  ftone. 

Succeeding  years  as  they  their  circuit  goe, 

Leap  o're  this  day,  as  a  fad  time  of  woe. 

Farewell  my  Mufe,  fmce  thou  haft  left  thy  fhrine, 

I  am  unbleft  in  one,  but  bleft  in  nine. 

Fair  Thefpian  Ladyes,  light  your  torches  all, 

Attend  your  glory  to  its  Funeral, 

To  court  her  afhes  with  a  learned  tear, 

A  briny  facrifice,  let  not  a  fmile  appear. 

Grave  Matron,  whofo  feeks  to  blazon  thee, 

Needs  not  make  ufe  of  witts  falfe  Heraldry; 

Whofo  fhould  give  thee  all  thy  worth  would  fwell 

So  high,  as  'twould  turn  the  world  infidel. 

Had  he  great  Maro^  Mufe,  or  Tultys  tongue, 

Or  raping  numbers  like  the  Thracian  Song, 

In  crowning  of  her  merits  he  would  be 

fumptuoufly  poor,  low  in  Hyperbole. 

To  write  is  eafie;  but  to  write  on  thee, 

Truth  would  be  thought  to  forfeit  modefty. 

He'l  feem  a  Poet  that  fhall  fpeak  but  true; 

Hyperbole's  in  others,  are  thy  due. 


412  Anne  Bradft  reefs  Works. 

Like  a  moft  fervile  flatterer  he  will  fhow 

Though  he  write  truth,  and  make  the  fubject,  You. 

Virtue  ne're  dies,  time  will  a  Poet  raife 

Born  under  better  Starrs,  mall  ling  thy  praife. 

Praife  her  who  lift,  yet  he  mail  be  a  debtor 

For  Art  ne're  feign'd,  nor  Nature  fram'd  a  better. 

Her  virtues  were  fo  great,  that  they  do  raife 

A  work  to  trouble  fame,  aftonifh  praife. 

When  as  her  Name  doth  but  falute  the  ear,         [25SJ 

Men  think  that  they  perfections  abftract  hear. 

Her  breaft  was  a  brave  Pallace,  a  Broad-ftreet, 

Where  all  heroick  ample  thoughts  did  meet, 

Where  nature  fuch  a  Tenement  had  tane, 

That  others  fouls,  to  hers,  dwelt  in  a  lane. 

Beneath  her  feet,  pale  envy  bites  her  chain, 

And  poifon  Malice,  whetts  her  fting  in  vain. 

Let  every  Laurel,  every  Myrtel  bough 

Be  ftript  for  leaves  t'  adorn  and  load  her  brow. 

Victorious  wreathes,  which  'caufe  they  never  fade 

Wife  elder  times  for  Kings  and  Poets  made. 

Let  not  her  happy  memory  e're  lack 

Its  worth  in  Fames  eternal  Almanack, 

Which  none  fhall  read,  but  ftraight  their  lofs  deplore, 

And  blame  their  Fates  they  were  not  born  before. 

Do  not  old  men  rejoyce  their  Fates  did  laft, 

And  infants  too,  that  theirs  did  make  fuch  haft, 

In  fuch  a  welcome  time  to  bring  them  forth, 

That  they  might  be  a  witnefs  to  her  worth. 


A  Funeral  Elogy  upon  the  Author.          413 

Who  undertakes  this  fubject  to  commend 
Shall  nothing  find  fo  hard  as  how  to  end. 

Finis  &  non.         John  Norton.* 
Omnia  Romans  Ji  leant  Miracula  Gentis. 

*  This  clergyman  was  a  nephew  of  the  Rev.  John  Norton,  of  the  First 
Church  in  Boston.  He  graduated  at  Harvard  College  in  1671,  and  was 
ordained  pastor  of  the  First  Church  in  Hingham,  Nov.  27,  1678,  as  successor 
of  the  Rev.  Peter  Hobart.  He  died  Oct.  3,  1716,  in  the  66th  year  of  his  age, 
after  a  ministry  of  nearly  thirty-eight  years.  —  "  LINCOLN'S  History  of  Hing 
ham,"  pp. 24-25. 

It  has  been  suggested  that  he  edited  the  second  edition  of  Mrs.  Brad- 
street's  "  Poems."  —  N.  E.  HIST.  GEN.  REGISTER,  vol.  ix.  p.  113,  note  +£. 


INDEX. 


INDEX. 


A. 

Abbot,  Archbishop,  his  treatment 
of  the  Nonconformists,  xxii-iii. 

Abel,  374. 

Abiram,  112  n. 

Abram,  187. 

Abrocomas,  239  and  ». 

Abydos,  226. 

Acheemenes,  208,  216. 

Achilles,  253,  261,  288,  347. 

Actium,  Battle  of,  319. 

Adam,  177  and  ».,  373,  375,  383. 

Address  to  the  Reader,  83.  Poetical, 
of  I.  W.  to  the  author,  86.  Of  H. 
S.,  92. 

Adela,  333  n. 

./Egeria,  The  Nymph,  325. 

Agawam  (Ipswich)  settled,  xxxv. 
Simple  Cobbler  of,  85  n. 

Age,  Middle,  xli,  156-61.  Old,  xli, 
161-7. 

Ages,  The  Four,  of  Man,  xli,  Ixv, 
147-67. 

Agesilaus,  244-5. 

Ahab,  314. 

Ahaz,  194-5. 

Aire,  or  Air,  xli,  119-22. 

Albert,  Archduke  of  Austria,  162 
and  n. 

Albion,  117  «.,  361. 

Alcies  Son,  333.  Explanation  of  the 
term,  333  ». 

Alexander  the  Great,  211,  250,  251- 
91,  302,  310,  316,  349,  351.  Mrs. 
Bradstreet's  account  of  his  murder 
of  Callisthenes,  taken  from  Ra 
leigh's  "  History  of  the  World," 
xliv-v.  Mrs.  Bradstreet's  account 
of  his  visit  to  the  tomb  of  Cyrus, 
taken  from  Raleigh,  xlvi.  His 


quarrel  with  and  murder  of  Clei- 
tus,  Mrs.  Bradstreet's  account  of, 
taken  from  Raleigh,  and  from 
North's  "  Plutarch's  Lives,"  xlvi- 
vii,  xlix-1.  Mrs.  Bradstreet's  de 
scription  of  the  state  of  things 
after  his  death,  taken  from  Ra 
leigh,  xlix. 

Alexander  (Aegus),  297,  309,  310. 

Alexander  of  Epire,  316. 

Alexander,  Ptolemy,  319. 

Alexandria,  295.  Building  of,  262. 
Builton  the  Jaxartes,  275.  Library 
at,  318. 

Algiers  (Algere),  Charles  the  Fifth 
before,  121. 

Allibone,  Mr.,  as  to  the  publication 
of  the  first  edition  of  the  "  Poems," 
xli  n. 

Amaziah,  192. 

"Ambrose,"  the,  xxvii. 

Amestris,  231. 

Amiens,  Gov.  T.  Dudley  at  the  siege 
of,  xii. 

Amorges,  236. 

Amraphel,  Ninias  supposed  to  be, 
187. 

Amulius  (^Ernulus),  323. 

Amyntas,  251. 

Anagrams  on  the  author's  name,  92. 

Ancus  Marcius,  326. 

Andover,  Ixiii,  Ixvii  ».,  88  «.,  89. 
Land  reserved  for  planting  the 
town  of,  xxxvi.  Gathering  of 
Church  at,  ib.  Land  for,  bought 
of  Cutshamache,  xxxvii.  Situa 
tion  of  first  settlements,  ib.  Burn 
ing  of  the  Bradstreet  house  at,  Ixi 
ii.  Mrs.  Bradstreet's  burial-place 
not  to  be  found  in,  Ixv. 

Andrews,  Bishop,  xx. 


53 


INDEX. 


Andros,  Sir  Edmund,  Governor  of 
New  England,  Ixx.  Deposed, 
ib. 

Annius  of  Viterbo,  iSS  n. 

Antigonus,  291,  294,  296,  299,  300, 
301,  306-13,  3I5-I7- 

Antiochus,  313,  316.  Soter,  317. 
Theos,  317.  The  Great,  318.  Eu- 
pator,  318. 

Antipater,  253,  266,  286,  291-4,  298- 
300. 

Antiphilus,  292. 

Antony,  Mark,  319. 

Apis,  213. 

Apology,  An,  for  not  finishing  the 
Roman  Monarchy,  328.  To  her 
father  for  her  verses,  180. 

Appleton's  "  Cyclopaedia  of  Biog 
raphy  "  as  to  the  publication  of 
the  first  edition  of  the  "Poems," 
xli  ». 

Appleton,  Dr.  John,  x. 

Arabia,  205. 

Arbaces,  189-93,  208. 

Arbela,  Battle  of,  264-5. 

"  Arbella,"  the,  xxvi.  Contained  the 
principal  people,  xxvii. 

Aridseus,  289-91,  297,  302-3,  306, 
311  n. 

Aristotle,  xliii,  116,  287. 

Armada,  The  Spanish,  332, 333,  359. 
Destruction  of,  162  n. 

Arpad,  197. 

Arsames,  248  and  #.,  249  «. 

Arses,  248  and  «.,  249  n. 

Artabanus,  226,  232. 

Artabazus,  268,  271,  289. 

Artaxerxes  Longimanus,  233-35. 
Mnemon,  237-46. 

Artemisia,  224. 

Asphaltites  Lake,  116. 

Aspinwall,  William,  xxxi. 

Assur's,  Monarchs,  317. 

Assyrian  Monarch}',  xli,  181-207. 

Astrophel,    Spenser's,    348    and    »., 

349- 

Astyages,  208. 
Athens,  221,  229,  252. 
Athos,  Mount,  sea  passage  behind, 

225. 

Atossa,  222. 
Augustus,  288,  319.     August  takes 

its  name  from,  175.     Anecdote  of, 

347  »• 
Auletes,  Ptolemy  (killed  Pompey), 

3'9- 

Aurelian,  the  Emperor,  361. 
Author  to  her  Book,  389-90. 
Autumn,  xli,  176-9. 


B. 


Baal,  182. 
Baalpeor,  182. 
Babel,  181,  186,  200-2,  360. 
Babylon,    185-6,   205,    206,   265-7. 
Taken,    192.      Taken    by   Cyrus, 

2IO-II. 

Baca,  Valley  of,  21  and  ».,  23. 

Bacon,  Francis,  Baron  of  Verulam, 
xix. 

Bagoas,  247-9,  249  n- 

Bajazet  I.  becomes  Sultan  of  the 
Turks,  173  n.  Anecdote  of,  173 
and  n. 

Baladan,  Merodach,  207. 

Bancroft,  Archbishop,  his  treatment 
of  the  Nonconformists,  xxii. 

Bartas.     See  Du  Bartas. 

Bastwick,  336  n. 

Bay  Psalm  Book,  21  n.,  35  n. 

Beaumont  and  Fletcher,  xvi. 

Bedlam,  156. 

Beelzebub,  182,  334. 

Before  the  Birth  of  one  of  her  Chil 
dren,  Verses,  393-4. 

Bel,  Temple  of,  185. 

Belochus,  193-4. 

Belosus,  193-4. 

Belshazzar,  205-7,  2I°- 

Belus,  182. 

Ben  Merodach,  198. 

Berosus,  188  and  «.,  317. 

Bessus,  250,  268,  269,  272,  273,  274. 

Betis,  261-2. 

Beverwyck,  Jean  Van  (Beverovicius), 
Ixvi. 

Bias,  160.     His  saying,  160  n. 

Bible,  publication  of  the  common 
version  of,  xvii.  Mrs.  Bradstreet's 
familiarity  with  the,  1.  Trans 
lation  of,  into  Greek,  319  and  n. 
See  Genevan  -version  and  Septua- 
gint. 

Blaxton,  William,  first  white  settler 
of  Boston,  xxxii. 

Blood,  xli,  129-36. 

Bohemia,  163  n.  Reformed  Religion 
in,  ib. 

Book,  The  Author  to  her,  389-90. 

Books  written  by  Women,  Ixii,  83- 
92. 

Boston,  First  Church  at,  xv,  xxxi, 
5.  413  n.  First  signers  of  the 
Covenant,  xxxi.  Removal  of 
Winthrop's  company  to,  xxxii. 
Winthrop's  company  leave,  ib. 
Rising  in,  in  April,  1689,  Ixx. 
First  book  printed  in,  Ixvi-vii. 


INDEX. 


419 


In  Lincolnshire,  Dudley's  resi 
dence  at,  xiii. 

Bowtell,  Stephen,  publisher  of  the 
first  edition  of  the  "Poems,"  79. 

Bradstreet,  Anna,  a  modern  poet, 
Ixix  n. 

Bradstreet,  Anne,  v-x,  2,  3,  21,  24, 
30  ».,  39,  44  ».,  46,  73,  74,  78,  79, 
Si,  83,  84,  85,  86,  87,  88  and  n.,go, 
91,  92,  93,  96,  99,  165,  180,  346  »., 

391'  394,  395>  39$,  399>  4°i  «.,  403* 
406,  408,  413  n. 

Earliest  poet  of  her  sex  in  Amer 
ica,  xi.  Daughter  of  Gov.  Thomas 
Dudley,  ib.  Wife  of  Gov.  Simon 
Bradstreet,  ib.  Her  ancestry,  xi 
ii.  Her  father,  xi-iv.  Her  mother, 
xii-iii,  xxxi,  lii-iii.  Her  birth,  xiv. 
Her  education,  xiv.  Her  youth 
and  religious  experiences,  xiv-v, 
3-10.  Her  reminiscence  of  an 
English  fair,  xv,  354.  Opportu 
nities  for  improving  her  literary 
tastes,  xv-xxi.  Comfort  she  took 
in  reading  the  Bible,  xiv,  xvii,  4. 
Literary  age  in  which  she  was 
brought  up,  xv-xxi.  Her  mar 
riage,  xv,  xxi,  liii  n.,  5.  Goes  to 
America,  xv,  5.  Embarks,  prob 
ably  on  the  "  Arbella,"  xxvii.  The 
passage,  xxvii-viii.  Lands  at  Sa 
lem,  xxix.  Goes  to  Charlestown, 
xxxi.  Signs  the  covenant  of  the 
First  Church,  xv,  xxxi-ii,  5.  Life 
at  Charlestown,  xxxii  Moves  to 
Boston,  ib.  Moves  to  Cambridge, 
xxxiii.  House  at  Cambridge,  ib. 
Life  at  Cambridge,  xxxiii  -  iv. 
Moves  to  Ipswich,  xxxv.  Her 
residence  at  Ipswich,  xxxvi,  85  »., 
394.  Moves  to  Andover,  xxxvi. 
Her  house  there,  xxxvii-viii.  Its 
burning,  xxxvii,  Ixi-ii,  40,  329. 
Publication  of  her  "  Poems  "  with 
out  her  knowledge,  by  her  brother- 
in-law,  the  Rev.  John  Woodbridge, 
xxxix-xl.  Her  character,  xl.  Com 
mended  in  verse  by  the  Rev.  N. 
Ward  and  others,  xl-xli.  Ana 
grams  on  her  name,  xli,  98.  Ar 
rangement  and  plan  of  her 
"Poems,"  xli-ii.  Their  merit, 
xlii.  How  far  original,  xlii-lii. 
Her  knowledge  of  the  Greek  and 
Latin  writers,  xliii-iv.  Her  in 
debtedness  to  Sir  Walter  Raleigh's 
"  History  of  the  World,"  xliii-ix; 
to  Archbishop  Usher's  "Annals," 
xliii-iv;  to  the  Hebrew  Writings, 


xliii ;  to  Pemble's  Treatise,  ib. ; 
to  North's  Plutarch,  xlix-1;  to 
Crooke's  Anatomy,  1.  Her  famili 
arity  with  the  Bible  and  use  of  the 
Genevan  version,  ib.  Her  obliga 
tion  to  Sylvester's  translation  of 
Du  Bartas,  li.  Her  fondness  for 
Sidney's  works  and  her  criticisms 
on  them,  lii.  Her  knowledge  of 
the  works  of  Speed,  Camden,  and 
Spenser,  ib.  Time  when  her  earlier 
"  Poems  "  were  written,  ib.  Her 
mother's  death  and  her  epitaph  on 
her,  lii-iii.  Her  father's  death, 
liii-iv.  Her  father  her  teacher, 
Iv.  Her  eight  children,  Ivii.  Her 
verses  on  them,  ib.  Writes  her 
religious  experiences  for  them,  ib. 
Her  delicate  constitution  and  fre 
quent  sicknesses,  ib.  Her  Chris 
tian  resignation,  Ivii-viii.  Her 
religious  doubts,  Iviii.  Her  love 
for  her  children,  ib.  Her  morbid 
views  of  life,  ib.  Her  belief  in  the 
efficacy  of  prayer,  ib.  Her  son 
Samuel's  visit  to  England,  Iviii-ix. 
Had  no  child  for  a  long  time  af 
ter  marriage,  lix.  Her  husband's 
mission  to  England  in  January, 
1661-2,  lix-lxi.  Her  verses  to  him 
during  his  absence,  32-9.  Writes 
the  "  Meditations, "Ixi.  Dedicates 
them  to  her  son  Simon,  ib.,  47. 
Their  originality,  Ixi.  Loss  of  her 
papers  by  the  burningof  her  house, 
Ixi-ii,  40,  329.  Her  daily  life,  Ixii. 
Her  position  as  a  woman  writer, 
ib.  Her  rambles  in  the  woods 
and  along  the  Merrimac,  Ixiii. 
Writes  the  "  Contemplations,"  ib. 
Their  excellence,  ib.  Revision  01 
her  "  Poems,"  Ixiv.  Nature  of  her 
alterations,  ib.  A  Puritan  and  yet 
a  Monarchist,  ib.  Her  hatred  of 
Papists,  ib.,  9,  340-1.  Longing 
for  death,  ib.  Her  last  sickness 
and  death,  Ixiv-v,  409.  Her  burial- 
place  unknown,  Ixv.  No  portrait 
of  her  in  existence,  ib.  Edward 
Phillips's  notice  of  her,  ib.  Cotton 
Mather's  eulogy  on  her,  Ixv-vi. 
Rev.  John  Norton's  Funeral  Elegy 
on  her,  409-13. .  Her  handwriting, 
viii.  Fac-simile  of  it,  between 
46  and  47,  first  edition  of  her 
"Poems."  v,  vii-viii,  x,  xl-iii, 
xlix,  lii,  79.  Second  edition,  v, 
vii-viii,  xli  n.,  xlix-1,  lii,  Ixiii,  Ixiv, 
Ixvi,  81,413.  Third  edition,  v-vii. 


420 


INDEX. 


Her  children  all  survived  her  ex 
cept  Dorothy,  Ixvii-viii.  Notices 
of,  Ixvii  n.  Her  verses  concerning 
them,  400-3.  Her  descendants, 
Ixviii-ix. 

Bradstreet,  Anne,  daughter  of  Sam 
uel,  verses  on  the  death  of,  405. 

Bradstreet,  Anne,  another  daughter 
of  Samuel,  her  death  in  infancy, 
407  n.  and  408. 

Bradstreet,  Anne,  second  wife  of  Gov. 
Bradstreet,  daughter  of  Emanuel 
Downing,  Ixix. 

Bradstreet,  Dorothy,  daughter  of 
Mrs.  Anne,  death  of,  Ixvii.  No 
tice  of,  Ixvii  n.  Marries  Rev. 
Seaborn  Cotton,  400-1,  and  401  n. 

Bradstreet,  Dudley,  son  of  Mrs. 
Anne,  sketch  of,  Ixvii  n.  Refuses 
to  act  as  Counsellor  under  the 
Provisional  Government,  Ixx. 

Bradstreet,  Elizabeth,  daughter  of 
Samuel,  verses  on  the  death  of, 
404. 

Bradstreet,  Hannah,  sketch  of,  Ixvii 
n.  Marries  Andrew  Wiggin, 
28  n. 

Bradstreet.  John,  son  of  Mrs.  Anne, 
notice  of,  Ixvii  n. 

Bradstreet,  Mercy,  daughter  of  Mrs. 
Anne,  sketch  of,  Ixvii  n. 

Bradstreet,  Mercy,  wife  of  Samuel, 
verses  on  the  death  of,  407-8. 

Bradstreet,  Mercy,  daughter  of  Sam 
uel,  408  and  n. 

Bradstreet,  Pedigree  of  the  Family, 
Ixix  n. 

Bradstreet,  Samuel,  son  of  Mrs. 
Anne,  notice  of,  Ixvii  n.  His 
birth,  5.  Some  time  after  the 
marriage  of  his  parents,  lix,  5, 
24.  Graduates  at  Harvard  Col 
lege,  Iviii-ix.  His  age,  lix.  Goes 
to  England,  Iviii-ix,  Ixvii  #,  400 
and  n.  His  mother's  verses  on 
his  departure,  24.  Returns,  lix, 
Ixvii  n.  His  mother's  verses  on 
that  event,  28.  Death  of  his  eld 
est  child,  Elizabeth,  404,  405  n. ; 
of  his  daughter  Anne,  405  and 
//.  ;  of  his  fourth  child,  Simon, 
406;  of  his  wife,  407-8.  and  407 
n.  ;  of  Anne,  an  infant'  child  of, 
407  ».,4o8.  His  daughter,  Mercy 
Bradstreet,  408  and  n. 

Bradstreet,  Samuel,  of  Dorchester,  x. 

Bradstreet,  Sarah,  notice  of,  Ixvii  «. 
Marries  Richard  Hubbard,  of  Ips 
wich,  401  and  n. 


Bradstreet,  Rev.  Simon,  father  of 
Gov.  Bradstreet,  xxi. 

Bradstreet,  Gov.  Simon,  17,  91. 
Engraving  of,  x.  Husband  of 
Anne  Bradstreet.  xi.  Marries  her, 
xxi,  liii  n.  His  father  and  grand 
father,  ib.  His  birth,  ib.  Educa 
tion,  xxi-ii.  Goes  into  the  Earl 
of  Lincoln's  family,  xxii.  Enters 
Emmanuel  College,  and  receives 
his  bachelor's  and  master's  de 
grees,  ib.  Takes  Dudley's  place 
as  steward  of  the  Earl  of  Lin 
coln,  ib.  Becomes  steward  of  the 
Countess  of  Warwick,  ib.  Chosen 
Assistant  of  the  Massachusetts 
Company,  xxvi.  His  important 
position  afterwards  in  the  Massa 
chusetts  Colony,  ib.  Embarks  for 
America,  xxvii.  Probably  on 
the  "  Arbella,"  ib.  The  passage, 
xxviii.  Arrives  in  Salem,  xxviii- 
ix.  Goes  to  Charlestown,  xxx- 
xxxi.  Signs  the  covenant  of  the 
First  Church,  xxxi.  Moves  to 
Boston,  xxxii.  To  Newtown 
(Cambridge),  xxxiii.  His  house 
and  lot  there,  ib.  Moves  to  Ips 
wich,  xxxv.  One  of  those  allowed 
to  begin  a  plantation  at  "  Merri- 
mack,"  xxxvi.  Establishes  him 
self  at  Andover,  xxxvi-vii.  De 
scription  of  his  house  there, 
xxxvii-viii.  His  mission  to  Eng 
land  with  the  Rev.  John  Norton, 
lix-lxi,  32-9.  His  wife's  verses  to 
him  during  that  time,  32-9.  Burn 
ing  of  his  house  at  Andover, 
xxxvii,  Ixi-ii,  40,  329.  His  loss 
thereby,  Ixi  -  ii.  His  children, 
Ixvii  /z.,  400-3.  His  descendants, 
Ixviii-ix.  His  second  wife,  Ixix. 
Becomes  Deputy- Governor,  Ixx. 
Governor,  ib.  .  Refuses  to  act  as 
Counsellor  under  Joseph  Dudley, 
ib.  Head  of  the  "  Council  of  Safe 
ty,"  ib.  Acts  as  Governor  until 
the  receipt  of  the  New  Charter, 
Ixx-i.  A  Counsellor  under  that, 
Ixxi.  His  death,  ib.  His  tomb, 
Ixxi  n.  Its  desecration,  ib.  His 
epitaph,  ib.  Supports  his  son 
Samuel's  children,  Ixvii  «.,  408  n. 
Verses  on  his  restoration  from  an 
ague,  27.  Verses  on  his  going  to 
England,  32.  Verses  in  solitary 
hours  during  his  absence,  34. 
Verses  in  acknowledgment  of  let 
ters  received  from  him,  37.  Verses 


INDEX. 


421 


in  thankful  acknowledgment  of  his 
safe  arrival  home,  38.  Poetical 
Letters  to  him,  394-8. 

Bradstreet,  Rev.  Simon,  of  New 
London,  Conn.,  son  of  Anne 
Bradstreet,  Ixviii,  2,  73  #.,  74 
and  n.,  405  ».,  407  n.  Sketch  of, 
Ixvii  «.  His  account  of  his  birth 
and  education,  xxxvi-vii.  Enters 
Harvard  College,  401  and  n. 
"Meditations"  written  at  his  re 
quest,  and  dedicated  to  him,  Ixi, 
47.  His  account  of  the  burning 
of  the  house  at  Andover,  and  his 
own  and  his  father's  loss  thereby, 
Ixi-ii.  His  manuscript  copy  of 
his  mother's  "  Religious  Experi 
ences  and  Occasional  Pieces,"  viii, 
2.  His  handwriting,  viii.  His 
account  of  his  mother's  last  sick 
ness  and  death,  Ixiv-v. 

Bradstreet,  Rev.  Simon,  of  Charles- 
town,  Mass.,  Ixviii-ix. 

Bradstreet,  Rev.  Simon,  of  Marble- 
head,  Mass.,  sketch  of,  74  n.  His 
Latin  translation  of  the  Dedica 
tion  and  first  four  "Meditations," 
74,  viii-ix. 

Bradstreet,  Simon,  son  of  Samuel, 
verses  on  the  death  of,  406. 

Bradstreet,  Tomb  at  Salem,  desecra 
tion  of,  Ixxi  n. 

Britain,  how  cut  from  France,  117. 

Brutus,  Junius,  328. 

Bucephala,  278. 

Buchanan,  George,  xix. 

Buckingham,  Duke  of,  xxiii.  His 
unsuccessful  attempt  to  take  the 
Isle  de  Rhe,  163  and  n.  Assassi 
nation  of,  164  and  «.,  165  «. 

Buckminster,  Rev.  Joseph,  a  de 
scendant  of  Mrs.  Bradstreet,  Ixix. 

Buckminster,  Rev.  J.  S.,  a  descend 
ant  of  Mrs.  Bradstreet,  ib. 

Budington,  Rev.  W.  I.,  D.D.,  his 
articles  on  Mrs.  Bradstreet,  and  re 
print  of  some  of  her  writings,  ix-x. 

Burning  of  her  house,  Verses  on 
the,  40. 

Burton,  336  n. 

Burton's  Anatomy  of  Melancholy, 
xvii. 

B.  W,,  explanation  of  the  initials, 
89  n. 

c. 

Cadiz  (Cades),  163  ».,  165  n.  Taken 
by  the  Earl  of  Essex,  360. 


Caesar,  Julius,  319.     Gives  his  name 

to  July,  174. 
Cam,  374. 
Calais  won,    162.      Surprise   of,    in 

1596,    162    ».       Spanish    Armada 

put  to  flight  before,  ib. 
Caligula,  Anecdote  of,  108. 
Callisthenes,  xlvii.   Mrs.  Bradstreet's 

account  of  the  murder  of,  taken 

from  Raleigh,  xliv-v.    Murder  of, 

284-5. 

Calvin,  xxiv. 

Cambridge,  The  Agreement  at,  xxv. 
Cambridge  (Newtown),  founding  of, 

xxxii-iii.       Laid  out  in   squares, 

xxxiii.     Arrival  of  Rev.  Thomas 

Hooker's  congregation  in,  xxxiv. 

Wood's    description    of,    ib.      Its 

limits  enlarged,  xxxv. 
Cambyses,  113,  212-17,  219.     Father 

of  Cyrus,  208.     And  Darius  Hys- 

taspes,  Interregnum  between,  216- 

Camden,  William,  his  "Britannia" 
and  "  Annales,"  xix.  His  "  An- 
nales,"  358  and  ».  Mrs.  Brad- 
street's  knowledge  of,  lii. 

Canaan,  196,  205. 

Canute,  331. 

Carter,  Robert,  his  description  of 
the  appearance  of  Mt.  Desert  from 
the  sea,  xxviii. 

Cassander,  299-316.  Son  of  Anti- 
pater,  287. 

Cassandreia,  306. 

Cavalier,  a  British,  155.  Mrs.  Brad- 
street's  opinion  of,  Ixiv. 

C.  B.,  Commendatory  verses  by,  90. 
Others,  92. 

Cecil,  Sir  Edward,  his  expedition  to 
Cadiz,  163  n. 

Cena,  298  n. 

Ceraunus,  Ptolemy,  316. 

Cervantes,  xvi. 

Chaldeans,  201. 

Channing,  Rev.  Wm.  E.,  a  descend 
ant  of  Mrs.  Bradstreet,  Ixix. 

Chapman's  Homer,  xvii. 

Charlemagne,  355. 

Charles  I.  of  England,  xxiii,  30  #., 
338,  34i-  Thrust  from  his  throne, 
164  and  n.  Beheaded,  164  and  ». 
And  Parliament,  xxv. 

Charles  II.  of  England,  Ixix,  30  n. 
Restoration  of,  165  n.  Relations 
between  him  and  Massachusetts 
Colony,  lix-lx. 

Charles  V.  before  Algiers,  121.  His 
taking  Milan,  ib. 


422 


INDEX. 


Charlestown,  Mass.,  settlement  of, 
xxx.  Arrival  of  Winthrop's  com 
pany  at,  xxx-i.  Condition  of  the 
people  in,  in  1630,  xxxii.  Re 
moval  of  Winthrop's  company 
from,  to  Boston,  ib. 

Charter  of  the  Massachusetts  Com 
pany,  dissolution  of  the,  Ixx. 

Charter  Government,  temporary  re- 
establishment  of,  in  Massachu 
setts,  Ixx.  The  new,  Ixx-i. 

Charter- Street  burying-ground  in 
Salem,  Bradstreet's  tomb  in,  Ixxi. 

Chaucer,  85. 

Childhood,  xli,  149-52. 

Children,  Poem  before  the  birth  of 
one  of  her,  393-4. 

Children,  Poem  in  reference  to  her, 
400-3.  Misprint  in,  Ixvii  n.  and 
401  n. 

Chinoes,  196. 

Choler,  xli,  124-9. 

Christmas,  179. 

Church,  The  Established,  of  Eng 
land,  division  of,  xxiii-iv.  Regard 
of  the  Massachusetts  Colonists  for, 
xxvii-viii. 

Church,  First,  at  Boston,  xv,  xxxi, 

5i  413  »• 

Cicero,  411.     Quoted,  160  n. 

Civil  War  in  England,  165  and  n. 
Course  of  the  Massachusetts  Col 
ony  during  the,  lix. 

Clarence,  Duke  of,  335. 

Clarendon,  the  Earl  of,  quoted,  xxiii. 

Clark,  master  of  ship  "  Society,"  38  n. 

Cleitus,  or  Clitus,  quarrel  of  Alex 
ander  with,  and  death  of,  283-4. 
Mrs.  Bradstreet's  account  of  his 
murder  by  Alexander  the  Great, 
taken  from  Raleigh's  "  History 
of  the  World,"  and  from  North's 
"Plutarch's  Lives,  "xlvi-vii,xlix-l. 

Cleopatra,  115,  292,  293,  310,  311. 
Daughter  of  Ptolemy  Auletes,  319- 
20,  360. 

Clipsham,  in  the  county  of  Rutland, 
Dudley's  residence  at,  xiv. 

Cochichewick,  The,  xxxviii.  First 
settlements  at  Andover  made  near, 
xxxvii.  Land  about,  reserved  for 
a  plantation,  afterwards  Andover, 
xxxvi.  Andover,  xxxvii. 

Colborne,  William,  xxxi. 

Commendatory  Verses  by  N.  Ward, 
85.  I.  W.,  86-88.  B.  W.,  89.  C. 
B.,  90.  R.  Q.,  90  n.  N.  H.,  91. 
C.  B.,  92.  H.  S.,  92.  Rev.  J. 
Rogers,  93-96. 


Compton,  William  Lord,  afterwards 
Earl  of  Northampton,  takes  Dud 
ley  into  his  family,  xii.  Recom 
mends  Dudley  to  the  Earl  of  Lin 
coln  as  steward,  xiii. 

Consolations,  Meditations  on  Spirit 
ual,  16. 

Constitution,  The  Four  Humours  in 
Man's,  xli,  Ixv,  123-46. 

Contemplations,  a  Poem,  370-81. 
Its  merits  considered,  Ixiii. 

Corinnses,  The  Three,  Ixvi. 

Cotton.  Rev.  John,  xiii,  xviii,  xxi. 
His  son  marries  Dorothy  Brad- 
street,  Ixvii  n. 

Cotton,  Sir  Robert,  xix. 

Cotton,  Rev.  Seaborn,  401  n.  Hus 
band  of  Dorothy  Bradstreet,  Ixvii 
n.  Notice  of,  ib. 

Council  of  Safety,  Ixvii  ».,  Ixx. 

Cradock,  Gov.  Matthew,  proposes 
the  removal  of  the  Massachusetts 
Company  to  America,  xxiv. 

Craterus,  292-4,  297. 

Croesus  (Cressus),  205,  209-10. 

Cromwell,  Ixix.  Mrs.  Bradstreet's 
views  concerning,  Ixiv,  164  and  n. 

Crooke,  Helkiah,  M  D.,  Mrs.  Brad- 
street's  knowledge  of,  1, 144.  Watt's 
notice  of  his  works,  1  //. 

Curiatii,  325. 

Curtius,  M.,  113  n. 

Curtius,  Quintus,  xliii,  xlvi,  257,  265. 

Curwen,  Sam.,  his  note  concerning 
the  sale  of  Gov.  Bradstreet's  tomb, 
Ixxi  n. 

Cutshamache,  Indian  Sagamore, 
sells  land  on  which  Andover  was 
settled,  xxxvii. 

Cyclops,  xlix,  289. 

Cyna,  298  n. 

Cyrus,  208-12,  222,  248,  249.  280. 
Mrs.  Bradstreet's  account  of  Alex 
ander  the  Great's  visit  to  his  tomb, 
taken  from  Raleigh,  xlvi. 

Cyrus,  the  younger,  237-41. 


D. 

Dagon,  184. 

Damascus,  194-5. 

Dana,  Mr.  Richard  H.,  a  descendant 

of  Mrs.  Bradstreet's',  Ixix. 
Dana,  Hon.  R.  H.,  Jr.,  a  descendant 

of  Mrs.  Bradstreet's,  ib. 
Daniel,  200,  204,  206,  207,  211,  261, 

289,  317. 
Darius,  uncle  of  Cyrus,  208. 


INDKX. 


423 


Darius  Hystaspes,  Interregnum  be 
tween  Cambyses  and,  216-17. 
Made  king,  217.  Hystaspes,  218- 
22.  Xerxes'  son,  232.  Nothus, 

235-7- 

Darius  Ochus,  247  and  n.  Codoma- 
nus,  249  and  #.,  254-61,  263-71. 

Dathan,  112  and  n. 

David's  Lamentation  for  Saul  and 
Jonathan,  xlii,  363-4. 

Davis,  Mr.,  of  New  Haven,  29  »., 
32  n. 

Dealings,  Divine,  25. 

Death  as  a  sheriff's  officer,  156  nn. 

Dedication  to  Meditations,  Ixi,  47. 
Fac-simile  of,  between  46  and  47. 
Latin  Translation  of,  74. 

Dedication  of  the  "  Poems,"  Hi,  Iv, 
97.  Date  of,  xli,  Hi. 

Deliverance  from  a  Fever,  12.  Same 
subject,  13.  From  a  Fit  of  Faint 
ing.  15- 

Delphi,  228. 

Demades,  xlix. 

Demetrius,  308,  312-17. 

Demosthenes,  293. 

Denison,  Major-General  Daniel,  96 
n.  Chosen  Captain  for  Ipswich, 
xxxvi.  One  of  the  first  settlers  at 
Andover,  ib.  Marries  Patience 
Dudley,  liii  n.  Marries  Rev.  Si 
mon  Bradstreet  to  his  cousin,  Lucy 
Woodbridge,  Ixvii  n. 

Denison,  Elizabeth,  96  n. 

Dercyllidas,  244. 

Deucalion,  Deluge  of,  118. 

Dialogue  between  Old  England  and 
New,  330-43,  xli-ii,  Hi. 

Dido,  Queen,  360. 

Distemper  of  the  body,  Poem  upon 
some,  392-3. 

Divine  Dealings,  25. 

Dodd,  Rev.  John,  xiii. 

Don  Anthony,  359. 

Donne,  Dr.  John,  xx. 

Don  Quixote,  xvi. 

Downing,  Anne,  second  wife  of  Gov. 
Bradstreet,  Ixix.  Her  step-son's 
opinion  of  her,  ib. 

Downing,  Emanuel,  his  daughter 
marries  Gov.  Bradstreet,  ib. 

Downing,  Sir  George,  Bart.,  ib. 

Drake,  Mr.  S.  G.,  x. 

Drake,  Sir  Francis,  360. 

Du  Bartas,  85,  92,  98,  100,  348,  349. 
Notice  of,  li  n.  Works  translated 
by  Sylvester,  xvii,  li.  Mrs.  Brad- 
street's  obligations  to,  98,  li.  Her 
fondness  for  his  works,  li-lii.  Mil 


ton's  obligations  to,  ib.  Poem  in 
honor  of,  xlii,  Hi,  353-6. 

Duclleiaii  Lectures  at  Harvard  Col 
lege,  founding  of,  liii  ;/. 

Dudley,  Dean,  his  articles  on  Mrs. 
Bradstreet,  x. 

Dudley,  Deborah,  liii  n. 

Dudley,  Dorothy,  wife  of  Governor 
Dudley,  xii  -  xiii.  Signs  church 
covenant,  xxxi.  Her  death  und 
virtues,  as  described  by  Mrs.  Brad- 
street,  Hi-iii.  Epitaph  on,  369. 

Dudley,  Dorothy,  daughter  of  Gov. 
Thomas  Dudley,  liii  n. 

Dudley,  John,  Duke  of  Northumber 
land,  supposed  ancestor  of  Gov. 
Dudley,  xi-xii. 

Dudley,  Joseph,  notice  of,  liii  ;/. 
Made  President  of  the  Provision 
al  Government  of  Massachusetts, 
Ixx. 

Dudley,  the  Lady  Mary,  mother  of 
Sir  P.  Sidney,  xii. 

Dudley,  Mercy,  notice  of,  liii  n. 
Wife  of  Rev.  John  Woodbridge, 
88*. 

Dudley,  Patience,  96  n.  Notice  of, 
liii  n. 

Dudley,  Paul,  son  of  Gov.  T.  Dud 
ley,  notice  of,  liii  n. 

Dudley,  Paul,  son  of  Joseph  Dudley, 
notice  of,  ib. 

Dudley,  Capt.  Roger,  father  of  Gov. 
Dudley,  xii. 

Dudley,  Samuel,  first  child  of  Gov. 
Dudley,  xiv.  One  of  the  first  set 
tlers  at  Andover,  xxxvi.  Notice 
of,  liii  n. 

Dudlej',  Sarah,  notice  of,  ib. 

Dudley,  Governor  Thomas,  father  of 
Anne  Bradstreet,  xi.  One  of  the 
founders  of  New  England,  xi,  366. 
His  ancestry,  xi-ii.  His  birth,  xii. 
Only  son  of  Capt.  Roger  Dudley, 
ib.  Left  an  orphan,  ib.  Nothing 
known  of  his  mother,  ib.  Becomes 
a  page  of  Lord  Compton,  ib.  A 
clerk  of  Judge  Nichols,  ib.  Goes 
to  France  at  the  head  of  a  com 
pany  of  volunteers,  ib.  At  the 
siege  of  Amiens,  ib.  Returns  to 
England,  ib.  Marries,  xii-iii. 
Becomes  a  Nonconformist,  xiii. 
Becomes  the  Earl  of  Lincoln's 
steward,  ib.  Moves  to  Boston,  in 
Lincolnshire,  ib-  Returns  to  the 
Earl  of  Lincoln's  family,  ib.  Lives 
at  Clipsham,  xiv.  His  first  child, 
Samuel,  born,  ib.  His  daughter 


424 


INDEX, 


Anne  born,  ib.  Has  Simon  Brad- 
street  under  his  care,  xxii.  Is 
succeeded  as  steward  of  the  Earl 
of  Lincoln  by  Bradstreet,  xxii. 
Interested  in  the  plan  to  plant  a 
colony  in  New  England,  xxvi. 
Signs  the  agreement  at  Cam 
bridge,  xxv.  His  first  apparent 
connection  with  the  Massachusetts 
Company,  xxvi.  Chosen  an  As 
sistant,  ib.  Important- position 
afterwards  held  by  him  in  the 
Colonv,  ib.  Elected  "  Under 
taker,"  ib.  Chosen  Deputy-Gov 
ernor,  ib.  Visits  John  Winthrop 
at  Groton,  xxvi-vii.  Goes  to  the 
Isle  of  Wight,  xxvii.  Embarks 
with  his  family  for  America,  ib. 
Probably  on  the  "Arbella,"  ib. 
Signs  the  farewell  to  their  "Breth 
ren  in  and  of  the  Church  of  Eng 
land,"  ib.  His  passage,  xxviii. 
Arrival  at  Salem,  xxviii-ix.  State 
in  which  he  found  things  there, 
xxix-xxx.  His  account  of  it  in 
his  letter  to  the  Countess  of -Lin 
coln,  xxx.  Goes  to  Charlestown, 
ib.  Enters  into  a  church  cove 
nant,  xxxi.  Moves  to  Boston, 
xxxii.  His  picture  of  their  condi 
tion,  xxxiii.  Moves  to  Newtown 
(Cambridge),  ib.  His  house  and 
lot  there,  ib.  His  displeasure  at 
Winthrop's  removal  from,  xxxiv. 
His  temporary  alienation  from 
him,  ib.  Moves  to  Ipswich,  xxxv. 
Mrs.  Bradstreet's  "Poems"  dedi 
cated  to  him,  xli,  Hi,  97.  His 
letter  to  the  Countess  of  Lincoln, 
xxvi,  xxvii,  xxx,  xxxii,  xxxiii  and 
n.  His  poetry,  lv-vi,  Ixv-vi.  His 
poem  "  On  the  Four  Parts  of  the 
World,"  97.  Death  of  his  first 
wife,  lii,  369.  Marries  again,  liii. 
His  children,  liii  n.  His  death, 
liii-iv,  365.  His  removal  to  Rox- 
bury,  liv.  High  offices  held  by 
him,  ib.  His  character,  liv-v. 
His  library,  lv.  Rogers's  Latin 
epitaph  on  him,  ib.  His  learning, 
ib.  Mrs.  Bradstreet's  instructor, 
ib.  His  estate,  Ivi.  Heads  the 
agreement  to  support  a  free  school 
in  Roxbury,  Ivi-vii.  Verses  to, 
398-9.  Poem  to  the  memory  of, 
365-8.  Mr.  C.  M.  Ellis's  sketch 
of  his  life,  Ivii  n. 

Duyckinck,  Mr.,  his  notice  of  Mrs. 
Bradstreet,  x. 


Dwight,   Dr.  Timothy,  his  descrip 
tion  of  North  Andover,  xxxix. 


E. 


;Ar- 


"  Eagle,"  The,  afterwards  the 
bella,"  xxvii. 

Earth,  xli,  109-13. 

Eden,  177,  373. 

Edom,  203. 

Edward  II.  of  England,  332,  333. 

Edward  III.  of  England,  334. 

Edward  IV.  of  England,  the  murder 
of  his  children,  335. 

Egypt,  203,  205. 

Elector  Palatine,  Frederic  V.,  163 
and  ».,  165  n. 

Elements,  The  Four,  xli,  Ixv,  103-22. 
"The  Interlude  of  the  Four,"  old 
moral  play,  xli  n. 

Elizabeth,  Princess,  daughter  of 
James  I.,  163  and  n. 

Elizabeth,  Queen,  xii,  xvi,  162  «»., 
344.  Poem  in  honor  of,  xlii,  lii, 
87  and  ».,  357-62. 

Ellis,  Mr.  C.  M.,  his  history  of  Rox 
bury,  and  sketch  of  Gov.  T.  Dud 
ley's  life,  Ivii  n. 

Emilius,  317.     See  Paulus. 

Emmanuel  College,  in  Cambridge, 
xxi,  xxii. 

Endicott,  Gov.  John,  sent  to  Ameri 
ca,  xxx. 

England,  Civil  War  in,  xxiii,  lix, 
Ixiv,  165  and  n. 

England,  Dialogue  between  Old  and 
New,  xli-ii,  lii,  330-43.  Perhaps 
partly  derived  from  Speed's  His 
tory,  lii. 

England    under    Queen    Elizabeth, 

359-6 i- 

English  Fair,  Mrs.  Bradstreet's  de 
scription  of,  xv. 
English    Literature   at  the  close  of 

the  Elizabethan  Age,  xv-xx. 
Epaminondas,  245. 
Epiphanes,  Ptolemy,  318.   Successor 

to  Evergetes,  319. 
Erthogrul,  173. 
Esar-haddon,  197. 
Essex,   Earl  of,  341   and  n.     Takes 

Cadiz,  360. 
Esther,  233,  236,  266. 
Eudocia,  The  Empress,  Ixvi. 
Euergetes,   Ptolemy,   son  of  Phila- 

delphus,  319. 
Euergetes  (II.),  successor  of  Philo- 

metor,  319. 


INDEX. 


425 


Eumenes,  295-7.  299,  301,  306,  308. 

Eupntor,  Antiochus,  318. 

Euphrates,  The,  240. 

Euridice,  297,  302,  303. 

Evelyn,  his  notice  of  the  death  of 
the  Duke  of  Gloucester  and  the 
Princess  of  Orange,  30  ;/. 

Evil-merodach,  204-5. 

Exeter,  N.H.,  liii  #.,  Ixvii  n. 

Explanation  as  to  Four  Monarchies. 
322. 

Ezekiel,  200. 

Ezra,  234. 


F. 


Fabius,  Q^  Maxitnus,  137. 
Fainting,  After  a  Fit  of,  July  8,  1656, 

17- 
Fainting    and  Weakness,   Sept.  30, 

1657,  23- 
Fainting,    Deliverance   from    a   Fit 

of,  15. 
Father,  To  her,  with  some  verses, 

398-9- 
Fever,  Deliverance  from  a,  12.  Same 

subject,  13. 
Finland,  178. 
Fire,  xli,  104-8. 
First  Church  at  Boston,  xv,  xxxi,  5, 

413  n. 
First    Edition    of   "  Poems.",     See 

Poems. 

First  Monarchy,  181-207. 
Flegme,  xli,  141-6. 
Flesh  and  the  Spirit,  poem,  381-5. 
Fletcher,  John,  xvi. 
Florio,  John.  English  translator  of 

Montaigne's  Essays,  xvii. 
Foster,  John,  first  printer  in  Boston, 

Ixvi-vii.    Printer  of  second  edition 

of  Poems,  v,  Ixvi.  81. 
Four  Ages   of  Man,   xli,   Ixv,    147- 

67. 

Four  Elements,  xli,  Ixv,  103-22. 
Four  Humours  in  Man's  Constitu 

tion.  xli,  Ixv,  123-46. 
Four  Monarchies,   xli,  xliii-1,  Ixv, 

181-328. 

Fourth  Monarchy,  323-8. 
Four  Seasons  of  the  Year,  xli,  Ixv, 

168-79- 

France,  332,  333. 
France  and  Holland  saved,  162. 
France,  how  Britain  cut  from,  117. 
Frederic  V.,  Elector   Palatine,    163 

and  n.,  165  n. 
Funeral  Elegy,  Rev.  John  Norton's, 

upon  Mrs.  Bradstreet,  409-13. 


G. 

Gager,  William,  xxxi. 

Galen.  143.  Mrs.  Bradstrcct's  knowl 
edge  of,  1. 

Galenists,  no. 

Galilee,  195. 

Gardner,  Capt.  Joseph,  his  widow 
marries  Gov.  Bradstreet,  Ixix. 

Garrett,  James,  account  of  the  loss 
of  his  ship,  29  n. 

Genevan  version  of  the  Bible,  21  »., 
203  n.  Mrs.  Bradstreet's  familiar 
ity  with.  1. 

Germany,  336. 

Gibraltar,  118. 

Gideon,  the  sword  of  God  and,  340. 

Gilboa,  Mount,  363-4. 

Gloucester,  Henry,  Duke  of,  his 
death,  30  and  n. 

Gobryas,  220-1,  224. 

God,  Verses  in  Praise  of,  17.  On 
Joy  in,  1 8. 

Goffe,  Thomas,  xxvi. 

Gog,  342. 

Gookin,  Daniel,  his  account  of  the 
loss  of  James  Garrett's  ship,  29  n. 

Graves,  Mr.,  xxxi. 

Great  Plague,  The,  334  and  n. 

Grecian  Monarchy?  xli,  251-321. 

Greek  and  Latin  authors,  as  to  Mrs. 
Bradstreet's  acquaintance  with, 
xliii-iv. 

Greenland,  178. 

Grey,  Lady  Jane.  335. 

Griswold,  Mr.,  as  to  the  publica 
tion  of  first  edition  of  Poems, 
xli  n. 

Groanland,  178  and  n. 

Gunpowder  Plot,  163  and  ».,  165 
and  11. 


H. 

Hackburne,  Catherine,  widow  of 
Samuel,  marries  Gov.  T.  Dudley, 
liii. 

Hall,  Bishop,  the  "English  Sene 
ca,"  xx. 

Hall,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  S.  C.,  their 
sketch  of  Miss  Hannah  More 
quoted,  as  to  the  popularity  of 
women  writers  half  a  century  ago, 
Ixii  n. 

Hallam's  opinion  of  Knolles'  His 
tory  of  the  Turks,  xix. 

Haman,  234. 

Hamlet,  quotation  from,  156  N. 


54 


426 


INDEX. 


Hampton-Court  Conference,  xxiv. 

Hampton,  N.H..  Ixvii  «.,  401  n. 

Hand-writing,  fac-simile  of  Mrs. 
Bradstreet's,  between  46  and  47. 

Harding,  Robert,  xxxi. 

Harvard  College,  29  n.  First  grad 
uate  of,  89  n. 

Harvey,  Dr.  William,  xxi. 

Hathorne,  Daniel,  buys  the  Brad- 
street  tomb  at  Salem,  Ixxi  n. 

Haverhill,  gathering  of  church  at, 
xxxvi. 

Hazor,  203. 

Heaven,  verses  expressing  her  long 
ing  for,  42. 

Hebrew  Writings,  Mrs.  Bradstreet's 
indebtedness  to,  for  her  facts  in 
"The  Four  Monarchies,"  xliii. 

Hector,  261,  348. 

Helena,  142. 

Hellespont,  bridge  over,  225-6. 

Hena,  197.     Henah,  197  n. 

Hengist,  331. 

Henry  V.  of  England,  334. 

Henry  VI.  of  England,  anecdote  of, 
128. 

Henry  VII.  of  England,  332,  333. 

Henry  IV.  of  France,  xii,  li  n,  355, 

359- 
Henry,    Duke    of    Gloucester,    his 

death,  30  and  n. 
Henry,  Prince  of  Wales,  death  of, 

163  and  n. 

Henryes  daughter,  333  and  n. 
Hephaestion,  xlvi,  259-60,  276,  283, 

285,  286,  290. 
Hesiod,  xliii,  199. 
Hester,  233  /*.,  236  ».,  266  n. 
Hevah,  197. 
Hezekiah,  198. 
Higginson,  Rev.  Francis,  his  arrival 

in  America,  xxix.     His  company, 

XXX. 

Hildersham,  Rev.  Arthur,  xiii. 

Hippocrates,  143.  Mrs.  Bradstreet's 
knowledge  of,  1. 

Hobart,  Rev.  Peter,  413  n. 

Holland,  332,  334.     Saved,  162. 

Holmes,  Dr.  O.  W.,  a  descendant 
of  Mrs.  Bradstreet,  Ixix. 

Holyoke,  Rev.  Edward,  74  n. 

Homer,  xliii,  85,  199,  288,  347. 
Translated  by  Chapman,  xvii. 

Hooker's  "Ecclesiastical  Polity,"  xx. 

Hooker,  Rev.  Thomas,  his  congre 
gation  leaves  Mount  Wollaston  for 
Newtown  (Cambridge),  xxxiv. 
He  arrives  in  Boston,  and  goes  to 
Newtown,  ib. 


Horatii,  325. 

Horseleach,  two  daughters  of  the, 
61  and  n. 

Hoshea,  195. 

Hostilius,  Tullus,  325-6. 

Hottinger,  Ixvi. 

House,  verses  on  the  burning  of 
her,  40. 

H-  S  ,  Poetical  address  to  the  au 
thor,  92. 

Hubbard,  Richard,  of  Ipswich,  401 
n.  Marries  Sarah  Bradstreet, 
Ixvii  n. 

Hubbard,  Rev.  William,  401  n-  His 
brother  marries  Sarah  Bradstreet, 
Ixvii  n. 

Hull,  John,  goes  to  England  with 
the  Commissioners,  Bradstreet 
and  Norton,  Ix,  32  n.  His  ac 
count  of  the  passage  and  the  mis 
sion  of  the  Commissioners,  32  n. 
His  account  of  the  loss  of  James 
Garrett's  ship,  29  n.  His  notice 
of  safe  return  of  the  Commission 
ers,  38  n. 

Hume,  his  account  of  the  death  of 
the  Duke  of  Gloucester  and  the 
Princess  of  Orange,  30  n.  His 
estimate  of  those  killed  in  the  In 
surrection  in  Ireland,  164  n. 

Humours,  The  Four,  xli,  Ixv,  123- 
46. 

Humphrey,  John,  xxvi. 

Husband,  verses  on  his  restoration 
from  an  Ague,  27.  Verses  in  soli 
tary  hours  during  his  absence,  34. 
Verses  in  acknowledgment  of  let 
ters  received  from,  37.  Verses  on 
his  safe  arrival  home,  38.  Verses 
to  my  dear  and  loving,  394.  Let 
ter  to  her,  absent  on  Publick  Em 
ployment,  394-5-  Another,  395-7. 
Another,  397-8. 

Hutchinson,  Mrs.  Lucy,  her  account 
of  the  treatment  of  the  Puritans 
by  the  Stage,  &c.,  xvii. 

Hydaspes,  The,  278,  279. 

Hypatia  (Hippatia),  Ixvi. 


I. 


Ince,  Mr.,  29  n 

Indians,    xxxii,    xxxiv,    xxxv,    Ixiii, 

Ixvii  n. 
In  reference  to  her  children,  Poem, 

400-3. 
Insurrection  in  Ireland.  164  and  »., 

165  «•,  336. 


INDEX. 


427 


Interregnum  between  Cambyses  and 
Darius  Hystaspes,  216-17. 

Ipswich  settled,  xxxv.  Church  gath 
ered  there,  fb.  Precautions  in, 
against  Indians,  xxxv-vi.  Mrs. 
Bradstreet's  residence  at,  xxxv-vi, 
394- 

Ireland,  insurrection  in,  164  and  »., 
^5  »•>  336.  Quelling  of  the  Earl 
of  Tyrone's  rebellion  in,  360. 

Isle  de  Rhe,  Buckingham's  attempt 
to  take,  163  and  «. 

Israel,  197.  Dispersing  of  the  Ten 
Tribes  of,  196. 

Ister  (Danube),  bridge  over  the, 
220. 

Italy,  how  Sicily  cut  from,  117. 

Ivah  (Juah),  197. 

Ivry,  battle  of,  li  ;/. 

I.  W.,  explanations  of  the  initials, 
88  n.  His  poetical  address  to 
the  author,  86-8. 


J- 

Jacoban  Age  of  English  Literature, 
xv-xx. 

Jaddus,  261. 

Jamaica,  Samuel  Bradstreet  goes  to, 
Ixvii  //. 

James  I.  of  England,  xvi,  xix,  xxiii, 
1,   163   and  nn.      Religious    char 
acter  of  his  reign,  xix-xx.     Poets 
of  the  reign  of,  xviii. 
ane,  Lady  Jane  Grey,  335. 
anus,  Temple  of,  325. 
axartes,  The,  275. 
ehoiakim,  200-2,  204. 
ehu,  314. 
erusalem,  rebuilding  of,  234. 

"Jewell,"  The,  xxvii. 

Jews,  Captivity  of  the,  211.  Dari- 
us's  Edict  for  the  rebuilding  of 
their  temple,  219-20. 

Jezreel,  314 

Jim,  Zim  and,  203  and  «. 

John,  King  of  England,  333. 

Johnson,  Dr.,  his  opinion  of  Knolles' 
History  of  the  Turks,  xix. 

Johnson,  Edward,  quoted,  xxxi. 

Johnson,  Isaac,  xxvii.  Constitutes 
Dudley  one  of  the  executors  of 
his  will,  xiv.  The  Lady  Arbella, 
his  wife,  xxvii,  xxxi.  Enters  into 
Church  covenant,  xxxi. 

Jonah,  192. 

Jonathan,  David's  Lamentation  for 
Saul  and,  363-4. 


Jonson,  Ben,  xvi. 

Joshua  commands  the  sun  to  stand 

still,  170  n. 
Josselyn's      mention      of      Francis 

Quarles,    xviii. 
Joy  in  God,  verses  on,  18. 
Juah,  197 
July,  named  from  Julius  Caesar,  174. 


K. 

Keayne,    Major    Benjamin,  marries 

Sarah  Dudley,  liii  n. 
Kedar,  203. 
Knolles,   Richard,   his   "  History  of 

the  Turks,"  xix.     Quoted,  173  n. 
Korah  and  Dathan,  destruction  of, 

112  n. 


L. 

Lamb,  Charles,  vii. 

Lancastrians,  333. 

Lapland,  178. 

Lathyrus,  Ptolemy,  319. 

Latin,  authors,  Mrs.  Bradstreet's 
acquaintance  with,  xliii-iv.  Mrs. 
Bradstreet's  knowledge  of,  ib. 
Translation  of  Dedication  and 
first  four  "  Meditations,"  74. 

Laud,  Archbishop,  336  n.  His  cen 
sorship  of  the  press,  xx.  His 
treatment  of  the  Puritans,  xxiii-iv. 
Imprisoned,  338  and  //.  Beheaded, 
164  and  ;/. 

Lawrence,  xxxix,  Ixiii. 

Lee,  Mrs.  Eliza  B.,  a  descendant  of 
Mrs.  Bradstreet,  Ixix. 

Leonatus,  292,  293. 

Leonidas,  226-7. 

Leverett,  Gov.  John,  his  daughter 
marries  Paul  Dudley,  liii  n.  Si 
mon  Bradstreet  succeeds  him  as 
Governor,  Ixx. 

Leverett,  Mary,  marries  Paul  Dud 
ley,  liii  n. 

Lewis.     See  Louis. 

Lincoln,  Countess  of,  Dudley's  letter 
to,  xxvi  n.,  xxvii  n.,  xxx,  xxxiii 
and  n. 

Lincoln,  Earl  of,  Henry  de  Clinton, 
dies  in  1616,  xiii.  Thomas,  suc 
ceeds  him,  xiii.  Theophilus,  Earl 
of,  xiii,  xxi,  xxii,  xxvii.  Takes 
Dudley  as  his  steward,  xiii.  His 
connection  with  Dudley,  ib. 

Lisbon,  359. 


428 


INDEX. 


Lissus,  226. 

Literature,  English,  at  the  close  of 
the  Elizabethan  Age,  xv-xx. 

London,  Great  Fire  of,  107,  108  ». 

Longing  for  Heaven,  verses  express 
ing  her,  42. 

Louis  VIII.  of  France,  333  n. 

Lucretia,  328. 

Lucullus,  318. 

Lud,  Put  and,  203. 

Lysimachus,  307,  310,  314-16. 


M. 

Maccabees,  318. 

Magi,  216. 

Manasseh,  198. 

Mandana,  208. 

Man's  Constitution,  The  Four  Hu 
mours  in,  xli,  Ixv,  123-46. 

Man,  The  Four  Ages  of,  xli,  Ixv, 
147-67. 

Marathon,  Battle  of,  221. 

Marblehead,  Mass.,  Second  Church 

in>  75- 

Marcellus,  137. 

March,  Earl  of,  333. 

Marcius,  Ancus,  326. 

Mardonius,  223-4,  229-30. 

Maro,  410,  411. 

Martel,  355. 

Mary,  Princess  of  Orange,  her  death, 
30  and  n. 

Mather,  Cotton,  Iv.  The  verses 
which  he  attributes  to  Gov.  T. 
Dudley,  Ivi  n.  His  eulogy  on 
Mrs.  Bradstreet,  Ixv-vi.  His  opin 
ion  of  President  John  Rogers, 
96  n. 

Matilda,  the  Empress,  333  n. 

Massachusetts  Company,  xvi,  xxiv, 
xxvi.  Motives  of  those  who  trans 
ferred  it  to  America,  xxv.  Em 
barkation  for  New  England,  xxvii. 

Massachusetts  Colonists,  their  fare 
well  to  their  brethren  in  and  of 
the  Church  of  England,  xxvii-viii. 
Their  voyage  to  New  England, 
xxviii;  and  arrival  there,  xxix. 

Massachusetts  Colony,  its  condition 
in  1630,  xxx,  xxxii.  Its  course  in 
the  civil  war,  lix.  Treatment  of 
the  Quakers,  ib.  Obliged  to  send 
agents  to  England,  lix-lx.  Suc 
cess  of  the  mission,  lx.  Dissolu 
tion  of  the  charter,  Ixx.  Estab 
lishment  of  the  Provisional  Gov 
ernment,  ib.  Governed  by  An- 


dros,    ib.       Re-establishment     of 
Charter  Government  in,   ib. 

Massachusetts  Bay,  Sir  William 
Phipps  made  Governor  of  the 
Province  of  the,  Ixx-i.  The  new 
charter  of,  ib. 

Massinger,  Philip,  xvi. 

Maud,  331,  333  and  ». 

Mayhew,  Mr.,  son  of  the  Indian 
teacher  at  Marttva's  Vineyard,  his 
loss  at  sea,  29  n. 

MEDITATIONS  DIVINE  AND  MORAL, 
45-76.  Dedication  of,  47.  Manu 
script  of,  viii-x.  Fac-simile  of 
dedication  of,  between  46  and  47. 
Their  composition,  character,  and 
originality,  Ixi.  Latin  Transla 
tion  of  the  dedication  and  first 
four  of,  74-75.  Occasional,  n. 
On  Spiritual  Consolations,  16. 

Melancholy,  xli,  136-41. 

Meleager,  291. 

Memucan,  233. 

Menahem,  193. 

Merodach  Balladan,  198. 

Meroe,  215  and  n. 

Meroz,  (Mero's)  curse,  340  and  n. 

Merrimac,  The  river,  xxxviii,  Ixiii. 

Methuselah,  373. 

Michaud's  notice  of  Du  Bartas,  li  ;/. 

Midas,  254. 

Middle  Age,  xli,  156-61. 

Middleton,  Thomas,  xvi. 

Milan  (Millain),  Charles  the  Fifth, 
his  taking  of,  121. 

Miltiades,  221. 

Milton,  his  "Comus"  quoted,  Ixiii. 
His  nephew  Edward  Phillips,  Ixv. 

Mnemon,  Artaxerxes,  237-46. 

Moab,  203. 

Monarchies,  The  Four,  xli,  Ixv,  181- 
328.  Sources  from  which  Mrs. 
Bradstreet  derived  materials  for 
the  Poem  of,  xliii-1.  The  Assyr 
ian,  xli,  181-207.  The  Grecian, 
xli,  251-321.  The  Persian,  xli, 
208-50.  The  Roman,  xli,  323-8. 

Monarchist,  Mrs.  Bradstreet  inclined 
to  be  a,  Ixiv. 

Montaigne,  translated  into  English 
by  John  Floric,  xvii 

Moore,  Jacob  B.,  quoted,  xi. 

Mordecai,  234,  266. 

Moref  Miss  Hannah,  her  popularity 
as  a  writer,  Ixii  n. 

More,  SirThomas,  his  daughter,  Ixvi. 

Mount  Desert,  its  appearance  from 
the  sea,  xxviii. 

Mycale,  231. 


INDEX. 


429 


N. 

Nabanassar,  195-6. 

Nanni,  Giovanni,  iSS  n. 

Napier,  John,  Baron  of  Merchiston, 
xxi. 

Narragansett  Fort,  Ixix. 

Nebopolassar,  199-204. 

Nebuchadnezzar,  199-204. 

Nebulassar,  198-9. 

Necho,  Pharaoh,  200. 

Nehemiah,  234,  246  //. 

Netherlands,  Archduke  Albert  made 
Governor  of,  162  n. 

New  England,  91.  Sir  Edmund  An- 
dros,  Governor  of,  Ixx.  T.  Dud 
ley  one  of  founders  of,  xi,  366. 
Dialogue  between  Old  and,  xli-ii, 

Hi,  330-43- 

New  London,  Conn.,  Simon  Brad- 
street  minister  of,  Ixvii  n. 

Newtown.     See  Cambridge. 

N.  H.,  commendatory  verses  by,  91. 

Nicea,  278. 

Nicolls,  Thomas,  "Judge  Nichols," 
employs  Dudley  as  clerk,  xii. 

Nimrod,  181-2.  Same  as  Saturn,  182. 

Nineveh,  183,  198.     Rebuilt,  193. 

Ninias,  187-8.  Supposed  to  be  Am- 
raphel,  187. 

Ninus,  183. 

Nod,  Land  of,  375. 

Noe,  Flood  of,  118. 

Nonconformists,  their  treatment  un 
der  Archbishops  Bancroft  and 
Abbot,  xxii-iii. 

Nonconformist  ministers,  their  num 
ber  in  1603,  xxiv. 

North  Andover,  first  part  of  the 
town  settled,  xxxvii.  Oldest  house 
in,  xxxvii -viii.  Description  of, 
xxxviii-ix. 

North,  Sir  Thomas,  his  translation 
of  Plutarch's  Lives,  xvii.  Mrs. 
Bradstreet's  indebtedness  to, 
xlix-1. 

Northumberland,  John  Dudley, 
Duke  of,  supposed  ancestor  of 
Gov.  Dudley,  xi-xii. 

Norton,  Rev.  John,  of  Boston,  413  n. 
His  mission  to  England  with  Si 
mon  Bradstreet,  his  cold  reception 
on  his  return,  and  his  death,  Ix-i. 
His  mission  to  England,  32  ». 
Safe  return  from  mission,  38  n. 

Norton,  Rev.  John,  of  Hingham, 
sketch  of,  413  ».  His  Funeral 
Elegy  upon  Mrs.  Bradstreet,  v, 
409-13. 


Nothus,  Darius,  235-7. 

Nov-Anglia,  91. 

Nowell,  Increase,  enters  into  chimh 

covenant,      xxxi.         Remains      in 

Charlestown,  xxxii. 
Numa  Pompilius,  325. 
Nysa,  built  by  Bacchus,  276. 


o. 

Oakes,  Rev.  Urian,  96  «. 

Occasional  Meditations,  n. 

Ochus,  Darius,  247  and  ». 

Ochus,  249  #.,  263. 

Ocrazapes,  189. 

Ohim,  203  n. 

Old  Age,  xli,  161-7. 

Old   England    and   New,    Dialogue 

between,  xli-ii,  Hi,  330-43. 
Old   Testament,  Greek  version   of, 

319  and  n. 
Oliver,  James.  408  n. 
Olympias,  251,  286,  300,  302-6,  310, 

311'. 
Omphis,  276. 

Orange,  Mary,  Princess  of,  her 
death,  30  and  n.  Reception  of 
the  news  in  Boston  of  the  land 
ing  of  the  Prince  of,  in  England, 
Ixx. 

Orthobulus,  173  and  n. 

Ostia,  building  of,  326. 

Ovid,  xliii,  199. 

Oxus,  273. 


P. 


Pacye, ,  marries  Sarah  Dudley, 

liii  n. 

Palatinate,  163,  165  n. 

Papists,  Mrs.  Bradstreet's  hatred  of, 
Ixiv. 

Paracelsians,  105. 

Parker,  Mr.  Thomas,  xxxix. 

Parliament,  337,  343  n.  Mrs.  Brad- 
street's  sympathy  with,  at  the  time 
of  the  civil  war,  Ixiv. 

Parliament  and  Charles  L,  xxv. 

Parmenio,  xlvii,  254,  258-60,  264,  267. 
Murder  of,  282-3. 

Pasargadae,  xlvi,  211. 

Paul's,  St.,  Sir  P.  Sidney  buried  in, 

35«- 

Paulus,  L.  yEmilius,  317. 
Pausanias,  251. 
Peele,  Mr.  Robert,  Ixxi  ;/. 
Pelham,  Mr.,  29  ». 


430 


INDEX. 


Pemble,  William,  249  n.  Notice  of, 
xliii  n.  Mrs.  Bradstreet's  acquaint 
ance  with  his  "  Period  of  the  Per 
sian  Monarchic,"  xliii. 

Pepin,  355. 

Percy  Society,  its  reprint  of  the  old 
moral  play,  "  The  Interlude  of  the 
Four  Elements,"  xli  n. 

Perdiccas,  290-8,  309-10. 

Perkins,  Sarah,  marries  John  Brad- 
street,  Ixvii  n 

Perkins,  Rev.  Wm.,  his  daughter 
marries  John  Bradstreet,  ib. 

Perseus,  317. 

Persian  Monarchy,  xli,  208-350. 

Peucestas,  306. 

Pharaohs,  203. 

Pharaoh  Necho,  200. 

Phila,  294. 

Philadelphus,  Ptolemy,  315,  318. 

Philip  II.,  Father  of  Alexander  the 
Great,  251,  252,  292. 

Philip,  son  of  Antipater,  287. 

Philip,  307,311,313-14. 

Philip,  son  of  Demetrius,  317. 

Philip  II.  of  Spain,  xii,  162  and  #., 

359- 

Phillips,  Edward,  his  notice  of  Mrs. 
Bradstreet  in  his  "Theatrum  Poe- 
tarum,"  Ixv. 

Phillips,  Mr.  Wendell,  a  descendant 
of  Mrs.  Bradstreet,  Ixix. 

Philometor,  Ptolemy,  319. 

Philopator,  Ptolemy,  ib. 

Philotas,  259.     Murder  of,  281-2. 

Phipps,  Sir  Wm.,  made  Governor 
of  Massachusetts  Bay,  Ixx-i. 

Phlegm.     See  Flegme. 

Pickman,  Ben.,  sells  the  Bradstreet 
tomb  at  Salem,  Ixxi  n. 

Pickman,  Col.  B.,  ib. 

Pierse,  John,  29  n. 

Pistyrus,  Lake,  226. 

Plague,  The  Great,  in  London,  334 
and  //. 

Pliny,  xliii,  107  and  #.,  115. 

Plot,  Gunpowder,  165  n. 

Plutarch,  246. 

Plutarch's  Lives,  297.  Translated 
by  Sir  Thomas  North,  xvii. 
Mrs.  Bradstreet's  indebtedness  to, 
xlix-1. 

POEMS,  77-413,  Ixvi.  Their  merit, 
xlii,  Ixiii.  Character  considered, 
Ixi.  Their  originality,  xlii  -  Hi. 
Their  revision,  Ixiv.  Plan  of  first 
four  longer,  xli.  First  edition  of, 
v,  79.  First  edition  of  when  pub 
lished,  xl  and  xli  n.  Fac-simile 


of  titlepage  of  first  edition  of,  v, 
79.  Second  edition  of,  v,  vii-viii, 
Ixvi,  81.  Fac-simile  of  titlepage 
of  second  edition  of,  v,  Si.  The 
alterations  in,  v,  vii-viii,  Ixiv. 
Third  edition  of,  v-vii.  Posthu 
mous,  391-408.  Present  edition 
of,  plan  pursued,  vii. 

Poetical  Address  of  I.  W.  to  the 
Author,  86.  Of  H.  S.,  92. 

Polyphemus,  xlix,  289. 

Polysperchon,  299-302,  304,  310. 

Polystratus,  270. 

Pompilius,  Numa,  325. 

Popelings,  340-1. 

Porus,  276-8 

Prague,  Battle  of,  163  n. 

Praise  of  God,  verses  on,  17. 

Praxaspes,  214. 

Prayers,  hearing  of,  7. 

Preston,  Rev.  Dr.,  xxi,  xxii. 

Price,  Theodore,  his  widow  marries 
Dudley  Bradstreet,  Ixvii  n. 

Priscus,  Tarquinius,  326-7. 

Prologue,  Ixii,  100. 

Provisional  Government,  establish 
ment  of,  in  Massachusetts,  Ixx. 

Prynne,  William,  has  the  letters 
"  S.  L."  branded  on  his  cheeks, 
336  ». 

Ptolemy,  Soter,  277,  295,  296,  300, 
307-12,  315,  316,  318. 

Ptolemy,  Philadelphus,  315,  318-19. 

Ptolemy,  Ceraunus,  316. 

Ptolemy,  Euergetes,  319. 

Ptolemy,  Philopator,  ib. 

Ptolemy,  Epiphanes,  ib. 

Ptolemy,  Philometor,  ib. 

Ptolemy,  Euergetes  II.,  ib. 

Ptolemy,  Lathyrus,  ib. 

Ptolemy,  Alexander,  ib. 

Ptolemy,  Auletes,  ib* 

Pul,  193. 

Puritans,  and  the  Stage,  xvii.  Mrs. 
Bradstreet's  sympathy  with,  at  the 
time  of  the  civil  war,  Ixiv. 

Put  and  Lud,  203. 

Pyraustes,  106. 

Pyrrhus,  316. 

Pythias,  224-5;. 

Python,  296-8. 


Q. 

Quakers,  their  treatment  in  Massa 
chusetts,  lix.  Success  of  their  ex 
ertions  against  Massachusetts  at 
the  court  of  Charles  II.,  lix-lx. 


INDEX. 


431 


Quarles,  Francis,  his  "Emblems," 
xviii.  A  friend  of  the  New-Eng 
land  men,  ib. 

Queen  Elizabeth,  Poem  in  honor 
of,  87  and  n.,  357-62.  See  Eliza 
beth. 

Quintius,  Titus,  317. 

Quintus  Curtius,  265. 


R. 

Raleigh,  Sir  Walter,  writes  his 
"  History  of  the  World,"  xix.  His 
"  History  of  the  World,"  188  «., 
245,  249  n.  Concerning  the  spu 
rious  works  of  Berosus,  iSS  n. 
Mrs.  Bradstreet's  indebtedness  to, 
xliii-ix. 

Reader,  Address  to,  xl,  83-4. 

Recovery  from  Sickness,  Verses  on, 
26. 

Ree,  163,  165  n.     See  Rh€. 

RELIGIOUS  EXPERIENCES  AND  OC 
CASIONAL  PIECES,  1-44.  Manu 
script  of,  viii-x. 

Religious  Experiences,  2,  3.  Writ 
ing  of,  Ivii. 

Remus,  323. 

Respite  from  Sickness,  May  n,  1661, 

25- 

Rhea,  Silvia,  323. 
Rhe,  Isle  de,  Buckingham's  attempt 

to  take,  163  and  n. 
Rich,  Lord,  xxii. 
Richard  II.  of  England,  332,  333. 
Richard  III.  of  England,  ib.    Origin 

of    his     appellation     of    "boar," 

332  »• 

Richmond,  Earl  of,  332,  333. 

Right,  the  Petition  of,  xxv. 

Rochelle  (Rochel),  163  and  ».,  336. 

Rogers,  Rev.  Ezekiel,  his  epitaph 
on  Gov.  T.  Dudlev,  lv. 

Rogers,  President  John,  sketch  of, 
96  n.  His  commendatory  verses 
on  Mrs.  Bradstreet's  Poems,  v, 
xlii,  93-6. 

Rogers,  Rev.  Nathaniel,  of  Ipswich, 
96  n.  Succeeds  Rev.  N.  Ward  as 
pastor,  xxxv. 

Roman  Monarchy,  xli,  323-8.  Rea 
son  of  its  non-completion,  Ixi. 

Romans,  the  last  King  of  the,  328. 

Romanists,  xxiii. 

Rome,  342. 

Romulus,  323-4. 

Rosweide  (Rosuida),  Ixvi. 

Roxana,  290,  309. 


Roxbury,  easy  circumstances  of  the 
people  there,  Ivi.  Free  school 
founded  there,  Ivi-vii.  Mrs. 
Bradstreet  probably  buried  there, 
Ixv. 

R.  Q^,  commendatory  verses  by, 
90  n. 


s. 


Safety,  Council  of,  in  Massachusetts, 
Ixvii  #.,  Ixx. 

St.  Louis,  355. 

St.  Paul,  his  idea  of  the  strife  be 
tween  the  Flesh  and  the  Spirit, 
381  n. 

Salamis,  Battle  of,  228. 

Salem,  Massachusetts,  settlement 
of,  xxx.  Charter-street  burying- 
ground  in,  Ixxi  n. 

Salmanassar,  195-6. 

Sardanapalus,  189-92. 

Sardes,  209. 

Sarocchia,  Ixvi. 

Satrapes,  The,  216,  217. 

Saturn,  same  as  Nimrod,  182. 

Saul  and  Jonathan,  363-4.  David's 
Lamentation  for,  tb. 

Savage,  Mr.  James,  his  opinion  as 
to  the  passengers  on  the  "  Ar- 
bella,"  xxvii. 

Saye  and  Sele,  Lord,  recommends 
Dudley  to  the  Earl  of  Lincoln  as 
steward,  xiii. 

Schurmann  (Schurnian),  Anna  Ma 
ria  de,  Ixvi. 

Scipio,  318. 

Scotland,  334. 

Scots,  332. 

Seasons,  The  Four,  xli,  Ixv,  168-79. 

Sebastia,  173  and  n. 

Second  edition  of  "  Poems."  See 
Poems. 

Second  Monarchy,  208-50. 

Seleucus,  291,  307,  308,  312-17. 

Seleucus  II.,  317. 

Seleucus  III.,  318. 

Seleucus  IV.  (Philopator),  ib. 

Seleucus,  Epiphanes,  ib. 

Semiramis,  184-6,  265-360.  Mrs. 
Bradstreet's  account  of  the  legend 
concerning  her  death  taken  from 
Raleigh's  "  History  of  the  World," 
xlvii— viii. 

Sempringham,  Castle  of  the  Earl  of 
-  Lincoln,  xxi,  liii  n. 

Seneca,  xliii.  Quoted,  284-5.  Mrs. 
Bradstreet's  apparent  quotation 
from,  taken  from  Raleigh,  xliv-v. 


43  2 


INDEX. 


Sennacherib,  197. 

Separatists,  xxiii.  Colonized  Plym 
outh,  xxv. 

Sepharvaim  (Sperharvaim),  197  w. 

Septuagint,  319  and  n. 

Serjeant  Death,  156  ;/;/. 

Servius  Tullius,  327. 

Sewel,  William,  the  Quaker  histo 
rian,  his  account  of  the  conduct 
and  danger  of  Bradstreet  and 
Norton,  when  commissioners  in 
England,  Ix-i. 

Sextus,  son  of  Tarquinius  Superbus, 
328. 

Shakespeare,  xvi.  Quoted,  156  n. 
Mrs.  Bradstreet  appears  to  have 
read,  xvi-vii. 

Sharpe,  Thomas,  xxxi. 

Shelton's  translation  of  "  Don  Quix 
ote,"  xvi. 

Shushan  or  Sushan,  256,  266  and  //., 
267,  280,  306,  308. 

Sibbs,  Dr.  Richard,  xx. 

Sicily,  how  cut  from  Italy,  117. 

Sickness,  and  Weakness,  after  much, 
Aug.  28,  1656,  20.  After  a  sore 
fit  of,  May  n,  1657,  21.  Respite 
from,  May  n,  1661,  25.  Verses 
on  recovery  from,  26.  Poem  upon 
a  fit  of,  Anno  1632,  Hi,  391-2. 

Sidney,  Sir  Philip,  xvi.  A  literary 
favorite  of  Mrs.  Bradstreet,  Hi. 
Her  criticisms  on,  ib.  His  "Ar 
cadia,"  345.  "  Tragick  Comedies," 
345.  Mrs.  Bradstreet's  idea  of  her 
family  connection  with  him,  xi- 
xii.  Her  Elegy  upon  him,  xlii,  Hi, 
344-52.  His  widow,  348  and  ». 

Sidon,  259. 

Simple  Cobbler  of  Agawam,  85  n. 

Sisygambis,  256. 

Smerdis,  213  ».,  216. 

"Society,"  The  ship,  the  Commis 
sioners  Bradstreet  and  Norton  re 
turn  in,  Ix. 

Socrates,  one  of  the  officers  of  Alex 
ander  the  Great,  259. 

Sodom  and  Gomorrah's  King,  187. 

Solon,  209-10,  210  n. 

Soter,  Antiochus,  317. 

Spain's  Americans,  116.  Monarch, 
359- 

Spanish  Armada,  332,  333,  359.  De 
struction  of,  162  n. 

Speed,  John,  xix.  His  "Historic 
of  Great  Britaine,"  358  and  n. 
Mrs.  Bradstreet's  knowledge  of, 
lii. 

Spelman,  Sir  Henry,  xix. 


Spenser,  Edmund,  xvi,  348  and  #., 
358.  Mrs.  Bradstreet's  knowledge 
of  his  works,  lii. 

Spirit,  The  Flesh  and  the,  381-5. 

Spring,  xli,  168-72. 

Stateira,  280. 

Staurobates,  xlvii-viii,  186. 

Stephen,  King  of  England,  331,  333 
and  n. 

Stephen  of  Blois,  333  n. 

Stoics,  387. 

Strafford,  the  Earl  of,  beheaded.  164 
and  ».,  165  «.,  338. 

Stratonice,  313. 

Summer,  xli,  172-6. 

Superbus,  Tarquinius,  328. 

Sylvester,  Joshua,  his  translation  of 
Du  Bartas,  xvii.  Mrs.  Bradstreet's 
fondness  for  this  book,  li.  Milton's 
obligations  to,  ib.  Editions  of,  li 
n.  Concerning  Sir  P.  Sidney.  349 
and  ;/.,  350. 

Symonds,  Samuel,  Simon  Bradstreet 
succeeds  him  as  Deputy  Governor, 
Ixx. 

Syria,  200.     Subdued,  194-5. 


T. 


"Talbot,"  The,  xxvii. 

Tamerlane,  173  n. 

Tanaquil,  327. 

Tarquinius  Priscus,  326-7. 

Tarquinius  Superbus,  328. 

Tarquins,  Expulsion  of  the,  328. 

Thalestris,  271. 

Thebes,  252,  306,  308. 

Themistocles,  228,  234-5. 

Theos,  Antiochus,  317. 

Thermopylae,  Battle  of,  226-7. 

Thessalonica,  307. 

Third  Monarchy,  251-321. 

Thornton,  Mrs.  Eliza  G.,  a  descend 
ant  of  Mrs.  Bradbtreet,  Ixix. 

Thucydides,  xliii,  199. 

Tiglath-Pileser,  194-5. 

Tigranes,  318. 

Tilbury,  Queen  Elizabeth's  camp  at, 
360. 

Tissaphernes,  243-5. 

Tithraustes,  245. 

Titlepages  of  "  Poems."    See  Poems, 

Titu's  Quintius,  317. 

To   her   Father  with    some   verses, 

393-9- 

Tomris,  211,  360. 
Topsfield,  Ixvii  //. 
Trabezond,  244. 


INDEX. 


433 


Troy,  107,  142,  1 88,  253,  348. 

Tudor,  333. 

Tullius,  Servius,  327. 

Tullus  Hostilius,  325-6. 

Tully,  411. 

Turkey,  342. 

Twiss,  Rev.  Wm.,  D.D.,  89  ;/. 

Tyburn,  341. 

Tygris,  191. 

Tyng,  Edward,  his  daughter  marries 
Joseph  Dudley,  liii  n. 

Tyng.  Mercy,  wife  of  Samuel  Brad- 
street,  Ixvii  #.,  407-8. 

Tyng,  Rebecca,  marries  Joseph  Dud 
ley,  liii  11. 

Tyng,  William,  407  n.  His  daughter 
marries  Samuel  Bradstreet,  Ixvii  n. 

Tyre,  200,  258-9. 

Tyrone,  Earl  of,  suppression  of  his 
rebellion  in  Ireland,  360. 


u. 

Ulysses,  xlix,  289. 

Usher,  Archbishop,  xix,  xx,  188. 
Mrs.  Bradstreet's  acquaintance 
with  his  "  Annals  of  the  World," 
xliii-iv. 

Usher,  Hezekiah,  senior,  29  >/. 


V. 

Valley  of  Baca,  21  and  «.,  23. 
Vanity  of  all  Worldly  Things,  Poem, 

386-8,  363  ». 
Vashti,  233. 

Verses,  May  13,  16^7,  22. 
Virgil,  xliii,  199,  410,  411. 
Voetius,  Ixvi. 


w. 

Wade,  Major  Nathaniel,  marries 
Mercy  Bradstreet,  Ixvii  n. 

Ward,  Mr.  Geo.  A.,  editor  of  Cur- 
wen's  journal  and  Letters,  Ixxi,  n. 

Ward,  Rev.  Nathaniel,  mention  of, 
85  ».  Made  Pastor  of  Church  in 
Ipswich,  xxxv.  His  Commenda 
tory  verses  on  Mrs.  Bradstreet's 
Poems,  xl— i,  85. 

Ward,  Major  Samuel,  marries  Sarah 
Bradstreet,  Ixvii  n. 

Warwick,  the  •  Countess  of,  Brad- 
street  steward  of,  xxii. 

Warwick,  the  Earl  of,  ib. 


Water,  xli,  114-18. 

Watt's  notice  of  the  works  of  Hcl- 

kiah  Crooke,  M.D.,    1  n. 
Weakness  and  Sickness,  After  much, 

Aug.    28,    1656,  20.      After   sore, 

Maj7  ii,  1657,  21. 
Weakness   and    Fainting,  Sept.  30, 

!657>  23- 

Webster,  John,  xvi. 

Wiggin,  Andrew,  marries  Hannah 
Bradstreet,  Ixvii  «.,  28  n. 

Wiggin,  Hannah,  verses  on  her  re 
covery  from  a  fever,  28. 

Wight,  Yarmouth  on  the  Isle  of, 
xxvii. 

Williams,  Bishop,  xxiii. 

William  the  Conqueror,  331. 

Wilson,  Rev.  John,  enters  into 
church  covenant,  xxxi. 

Winter,  xli,  178-9. 

Winthrop,  Gov.  John,  xviii,  xxvi, 
xxvii,  xxix,  xxxi,  liii  «.,  35  n. 
Enters  into  church  covenant,  xxxi. 
Moves  to  Boston,  xxxii.  Moves 
to  Cambridge,  xxxiii.  Returns  to 
Boston,  xxxiv.  Alienation  from 
Dudley,  ib.  Chosen  Councillor 
for  life,  liv. 

Winthrop,  John,  Jr..  xxxvii.  Begins 
a-  settlement  at  Agawam  (Ips 
wich),  xxxv. 

Winthrop,  Mary,  daughter  of  Gov. 
John,  marries  Samuel  Dudley, 
liii  n. 

Witchcraft  Delusion,  Dudley  Brad- 
street's  connection  with,  Ixvii  n. 

Wither,  George,  xviii. 

Women  as  writers  of  books,  Ixii, 
83-92. 

Wood,  Ann,  marries  Dudley  Brad- 
street,  Ixvii  n. 

Wood,  William,. his  description  of 
Cambridge,  xxxiv. 

Woodbridge,  Rev.  Benjamin,  sketch 
of,  89  «.  His  commendatory  verses 
upon  Mrs.  Bradstreet,  xli,  89. 

Woodbridge,  Rev.  John,  88  «.,  89  n. 
Sketch  of,  xxxix.  Marries  Mercy 
Dudley,  xxxix,  liii  «.,  88.  One  of 
the  first  settlers  at  Andover,  xxxvi. 
Buys  the  land  on  which  the  town 
was  founded,  xxxvii.  Goes  to 
England,  88  n  ,  xxxix.  Concerned 
in  publishing  Mrs.  Bradstreet's 
poems,  xl.  His  commendation  of 
Mrs.  Bradstreet  and  her  poems, 
xl.  His  Poetical  Address  to  her, 
86-8.  His  Address  to  the  Reader, 
83-4- 


55 


434 


INDEX. 


Woodbridge,  Lucy,  daughter  of  the 

Rev.  John,  marries  her  cousin,  the 

Rev.  Simon  Bradstreet,  Ixvii  ». 
World,  Gov.  Dudley's  poem  on  the 

Four  Parts  of  the,  Iv,  97. 
World,  The  Four  Monarchies  of  the, 

Ixv,  181-329.     Sources  from  which 

it  was  taken,  xli-1. 
Worldly   Creatures,    poem    on    the 

vanity  of  all,  xlii. 
Worldly  Things,  The  Vanity  of  all, 

Poem,  386-8,  and  363  n. 


X. 

Xenophon,  xliii,  211,  237.  Leads 
home  the  Greeks,  243.  Mrs.  Brad- 
street's  apparent  quotation  from, 
taken  from  Raleigh,  xlvi. 

Xerxes,  222-32,  274.  Mrs.  Brad- 
street's  account  of  his  accession 


to  the  throne,  taken  from  Raleigh, 
xlviii. 


Yarmouth    on    the    Isle   of  Wight, 

xxvii. 
Year,  The  Four  Seasons  of  the,  xli, 

Ixv,  168-79. 

York,  Duke  of,  30  ».,  333. 
Youth,  xli,  ic;2-6. 


Zamies,  187-8. 
Zenobia,  361. 
Zidon,  or  Sidon,  259. 
Zim  and  Jim,  203  and  n. 
Zion,  196,  202,  203. 
Zutphen,    xvi.      Sir  Philip    Sidney 
slain  at  the  siege  of,  344  and  ». 


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